A White Christmas brings cancelled church meetings

In our email to Trent today we asked him to tell us about the baptism (we meant the one that was supposed to be yesterday, but he ended up telling us about the one the previous week); whether elders or members do the actual baptizing; what he wants for his birthday (right around the corner); and about church yesterday.

Hey hey! So boy, it's been a while, huh? Feels like we haven't chatted in forever...

So here's the news: church was cancelled on Sunday (yesterday) because of the, like, inch of snow. Super lame, because our two confirmations and baptism have to be pushed back to next week. But all is well.  (When we spoke on Christmas day he told us it was the first white Christmas in 100 years in Atlanta!)

We went and visited Fatima last night and she's doing really well. I'm quite sure she'll be baptized in the future; it's really just a matter of how long. So yeah, that's exciting too =]

Haha, no need to send the hockey stick, that was a joke. Oh, I could always use some more ties (the second greatest gift you can give a missionary [after socks]) =]

The baptism (last Sunday the 19th) was great, and Elder Sieverts, who was the missionary that originally found them, was the one that baptized them. It was really great--church was cut short because of Christmas week, so the English ward's Sacrament meeting was a little longer, but the other normal meetings were cancelled. So we had the Brazilian Sacrament meeting with the English one. And then we had the baptism afterwards. And it was really great--there were a ton of people there for it because many of the English-speaking members went as well. So yeah. Baptism = huge success =]

Well, that's about it. Love you guys a lot!

Elder McGregor

Yes, we got to Skype with E McGregor on Christmas Day!

It was really fun and E McGregor's married sister, Kelsey, "joined" us via telephone as well.
We also had our own ward's elders here most of the day.  They opened presents, ate, played games with us and called/Skyped their families...   What a lovely Christmas!

Christmas Eve For the Ten Paper Mill Elders

On Christmas Eve we received this email from a member in the Paper Mill Ward.  I love that this thoughtful family sends pictures to us parents.


We just had a wonderful evening. Thank you for sending your son to Georgia.
Kirk Buttle
CBRE

Elder McGregor is top row 2nd from left

Merry Christmas!

Mission Photo and December's Newsletter from President & Sister King

We received this in an email from Sister King today:

Dear parents and families...

Merry Christmas!  We thought we'd send you a couple of fun things from Georgia--our missionary newsletter and a picture taken yesterday at our Mission Christmas Conference.  We had a wonderful time--spiritual training from President King and the Mission Presidency, lots of Christmas music/performances, a great lunch, a fun pass-the-white elephant gift-game involving 160 people, and more.   We also talked a lot about traditions--and how they are like spiritual and emotional cement in the foundation of a happy home, creating fond memories that bond us together.  We heard about some of your traditions and shared some of our family's (ask them about President King's performance!)  Everyone received a gift from Santa and all got home safely to continue to work and serve.  

Christmas Day will be extra-wonderful because, as you saw in our December 19th email to you, the Missionary Department is allowing Skype for those special phone calls on December 25th.  Whether you choose to use Skype or go with the traditional phone call (choose one--not both!), the total time allowed for communication is the same as specified in the white Missionary Handbook--no longer than 30-40 minutes.  We appreciate you helping your missionaries adhere to that guideline, knowing there are blessings that come from being obedient--on both ends...

Again, many thanks for your support--of us...and of your missionaries!  We hope it will be a great new year for all of you!

Love,

President & Sister King

 Georgia Atlanta North Mission 12/21/2010

Elder McGregor is left of center fourth row up - grey suit & green tie (double-click to enlarge)

Two Baptisms!; stress; investigators; and we get to talk on Saturday (Christmas)!

Hey guys! Merry Christmas!

Here's a picture of the baptism yesterday with all the missionaries that taught them over time. They had been taught before their baptism for about 6 months, so lots and lots of missionaries had the opportunity to teach them.

So the baptism was a little stressful for me, because I was the one who set up the meeting (the bishop doesn't speak portuguese, of course). So I was stressing out just a bit leading up to the baptism making sure it all worked out. And work out it did--the baptism was fantastic. It was really great.

This upcoming Sunday we have Isabella who's going to be baptized =] So we're super excited for that as well. It's a little tough at times because she lives REALLY far away, so we have to get rides from members to go teach her. But we're sure she'll be ready for this Sunday.

George da Silva is still working towards baptism, but he's having a tough go. Seems like life keeps getting in the way of him getting baptized, but we're sure that will happen as well.

Fatima is doing well. She wasn't able to come to church this sunday, but she's still happy to have us over and to come to church and all that. Luca's doing really well. We gave him a Book of Mormon in english, and Fatima said he's taking it with him on the bus and reading it on the way to school.

So there's a rundown of our investigators. They're all doing well. It's tough right now (this time of year) because brazilians work SO much. They're rarely home. But we make it work.

So I'm excited that everyone's going to be home for christmas. I really have no idea at this point what time I'll be able to call. So just be ready to get a call and then to call me back ;) The zip codes for Georgia are (678) (404) and (770). It'll be one of those =]

Love you guys so much. I'll be on the computer for another 45 minutes, so write me back! Love you!

-------------------------------

trmcgregor@myldsmail.net

Elder Trenton McGregor

1150 Cole Drive SW

Lilburn Georgia

30047

At Tania and Edilberto's Viana's baptism yesterday.  Elder McGregor is on the far left:

Also, scroll down to the December 6 post to see a picture of 
Elder McGregor teaching Gospel Essentials.

Links to E McGregor's mormon.org profile and more pictures

Trent also sent us a link to the mormon.org page he recently made (and encourages all of us to do the same):

Look me up =] 

http://mormon.org/me/313M-eng/Trenton Oh, and all of you make profiles, too!  And then share them with your friends!

No, but really, make profiles!

Also, here's a link to a giant picture album of Portuguese meetings/parties/baptisms.  You'll notice I'm absent in many of them - usually because I'm running around with my head cut off making sure everything is happening.  

http://www.ctrlds.org/album21

Love you guys!
Elder McGregor

Fun stuff on a mom's facebook this morning

I got this message on facebook this morning from a friend I went to high school with, who is now living in the Atlanta area:


Sandra,

I can't believe that I didn't make the connection, but I have the opportunity to serve with your Son in Georgia. My High Council assignment is to assist the Portuguese-speaking group grow to be a branch. Just recently I was able to translate for the baptismal interviews of Tania and Edilberto Vania, the couple your son taught that were baptized yesterday. We had a party at my home just over a week ago and I've attached some pictures that I think you will really enjoy.

Elders Gneiting, Bodily and McGregor

Elder McGregor gives two thumbs up to being fed by members  ; )

Elder Mundt and Elder McGregor

ps Don't let your son know that I know you... I want to freak him out this week by dropping some little known things. If you want to pass a few on to me, I would be happy to weave them in and really keep him guessing!

A Sunday email from the Mission President. Be sure to read third paragraph...

Dear Families:

By now we are sure you have heard from your missionaries of the use of computers by missionaries to help members learn and use the new mormon.org. We have also invited your missionary to post their personal profile on the website. We invite you to do the same to become part of this church-wide movement. (See January 2011 Ensign center spread.)

You can imagine the concern we have as we open this door. Because of the trust the Lord has in His servants this avenue has been approved and now opened in this mission. However we may need your help to support this initiative. The temptations of the internet are very strong. We ask if you find correspondence coming from your missionary on any other day than Monday (our mission preparation day) that you suggest your missionary correct their behavior. Please also refrain from trying to contact them via the computer at any other time. This will help them stay focused (eye single to the glory of God).

Today was a miraculous and historical day in the mission. Our Portuguese speaking missionaries had the first two Portuguese baptisms on our way to forming a Portuguese speaking branch in the Roswell Stake. 

In the future we are sure there will be other announcements. We will keep you posted. We invite you to help your missionary as we use the internet to further the work in this part of the Lord's vineyard. Through the internet the message is spreading more rapidly and globally. 

We thank you each for your support of the Lord's work. May you individually and collectively be blessed at this Holiday Season. 

Merry Christmas from President and Sister King


We replied to Sister King our thanks for this wonderful email and what great news it is about the baptism.  She responded that they're "so glad Elder McGregor is here to be a part of this.  It was no accident he was sent here, already fluent in Portuguese!"    


What a lovely comment and makes a mother's heart sing  : )

Things are moving right along; transfers; two new greenies; and a baptismal date set

Well sounds like you guys are having lots of fun at home =]

So things are moving right along here. Transfers was pretty crazy. The four visa waiters left, as did Elder Sieverts and Elder Collette (the zone leaders). I've got two new companions, Elder Bodily (from Boise) and Elder Gneiting (pronounced Knighting, from Aberdeen Idaho). They're both going to the Victoria mission (which is for the state of Espirito Santo, just north of Rio).

So we've got exciting news. Tania and Edilberto, who have been investigators for a LONG time (since before I got here), and they both accepted baptism last week. We also went and taught Isabella for the first time (because she lives so far away), and she's going to be baptized Sunday the 26 =] So we're REALLY excited! Fatima's son got sick so she wasn't able to go to church on Sunday, but we went and taught a really good lesson with her before Sunday. So things are still going really well with her =]

During transfers, Elder Nickel (from South Jordan) also came to the area, and Elder Mundt and Elder Vitorio stayed. Elder Blum is training Elder Herzog (from Sandy). So we've got a grand total of 8 elders, which is much better than the 11 we had before. Super great.

Let's see, other stuff that's happened... Since the zone leaders are gone, our miles were cut. With the van we drive, we're only allowed to drive a certain number of miles per month, and we've got only a little over 2/3 what we had before. So boy, we might have a bit of a tough time until the end of December staying under on miles. But we'll make it work.

Hope everything's great at home! Sorry I don't have too much to write... we're going to be pressed for time this p-day. Love you guys so much! I'll be on for another half an hour, so shoot me back an email with any questions!

Love you all!

ET

Please remember 
to send Elder McGregor a Christmas Card!

mormon.org; a great investigator; and dinner out

      Wow, so you guys got my letter! That was fast! (see post below this one) I've associated slow mail with my mission, so I was surprised to hear you guys had recieved it already, haha. But yeah, awesome.

So we had a fun week! We had a special training this friday on the new Mormon.org, and we (as Elders) have been encouraged to fill out a mormon.org profile and to work with the members of our ward to have them make profiles as well!

Sssoooooooooooo I'm here to encourage you all (or else) to make mormon.org profiles! And go look at mormon.org and see how awesome it is. It's super cool. Go watch some of the video profiles. They're super awesome.

Aaaaaand we got transfer calls last night! Crazy! Elder Blum is going to train AGAIN, and he's going to be district leader. Elder Mundt is also staying, as are Elder Vitoria and I (our visa waiter who is Brazilian). So yes, all of our American visa waiters are leaving for other areas. Sad. But I'll enjoy having more space in the apartment. =] And we'll find out the rest of the news on Wednesday during transfers. Woohoo!

So we had an investigator at church on Sunday! Yes! Her name is Fatima, and she's a single mom with two sons (Luca, 10; Rafael, 2). She came to church and thought very highly! She also happens to speak very good English. It was such a blessing and a tender mercy to experience some success as of late. She's very excited to continue learning more about the restored gospel, and we're excited (needless to say) to teach her more =]

So we had a very special p-day today. A member decided to take the entire zone out to Longhorn Steakhouse, and told us all to spend up to $24 dollars on whatever we wanted. Well, there were 32 of us elders, and the bill ended up at an absurd amount (do 24x32 and add... oh, I don't know... $143 for tax and a tip and you'll have "roughly" [read: exactly] what the bill came out to. So no more complaining about feeding the Elders until you take out an entire Zone to a steakhouse for lunch!). (who's complaining?) I got a $22 t-bone steak--the best I've ever had. And for that price, it'd better have been ;) So that was super nice. Although, as you can tell, it's severely delayed my emailing lol.

Well, I think I've told you guys this, but every week I teach the 2nd hour of our Portuguese Group meeting. We've been making our way through the first principles and ordinances of the gospel. Yesterday was repentance, and I felt it went pretty well =]  All those last minute lessons I taught in Brazil for people who didn't show up to church weren't for nothing ;)

Well, I hope everything's going well at home with all of you! Have a super great week!

Love, Elder McGregor

I responded with some questions about Sunday, his comps, etc, as well as questions about some packages we've sent, etc, and this is what I got back:

Yeah, I teach the Gospel Essentials class, but everyone in the Portuguese Group attends it. It's pretty fun =]

You've sent me the beanie, some fudge, my sweatshirt and my sweater, and all that other stuff you just listed--yeah, I got it =] Thanks so much!

I love you guys! And I look forward to talking with you on Christmas!

Love, Elder McGregor

Here are pictures from church on Sunday, Dec 5 (we got these from our friend who is in the stake and assigned to work with the Portuguese Branch)...

Elder McGregor teaching Gospel Essentials in Portuguese

Elders McGregor, DeMille, and Bradley

Translating Sacrament Mtg (snail mail)

This letter is dated Nov 1, but wasn't sent until Nov 30.  Trent was speaking Portuguese in Brazil for 8 months,  home for 7 months, and when this translating was done he'd been in Atlanta for about a month.

Nov 1, 2010
Dear Family,
     Hey!! So Elder Blum has this totally awesome typewriter that I'm going to use today to write letters!  Isn't this totally awesome?  Of course it is.  And of course you agree!  So yeah, things are coming along really well here in Paper Mill.  So I hope everything is going well in Granite Bay!
     So I told you a little while back in an email that I translated Sacrament Meeting into Portuguese and that it was too difficult to explain in such a short time and that I would write you a letter instead.  Well, here it is!
     We have translation equipment in our ward.  There's a little headset you speak into which transmits from the base unit to the wireless headsets that you can wear during Sacrament Mtg. So I was translating a live meeting.  And it was awesome!
     So this is how it went:  The Bishop said welcome to everyone and that was all pretty easy.  Then the ward announcements, which were a little harder because I didn't know what the word for "released" was.  So I kind of had to improvise a bit there.  But it worked out in the end.  Then we sang a song and I had to translate the opening prayer.  As I soon found out from Elder Mundt (who used to translate into Spanish quite frequently), you translate everything except the hymns.  So translate I did.  The hardest thing to translate was the youth speaker.  Yeah, he just put his head down and read off his paper and never slowed down, so I had some trouble with that.  But all went well afterwards.  A married couple were the next adult speakers, and it was much easier.  I gave up trying to translate word for word after a while because it's really difficult to keep up.  So I would translate the first couple of words, get a feel for what they were going to say and then kind of just followed along catching most of the meaning of what they were saying.  And then every once in a while they would bring up stuff like temple covenants or the Urim and Thummim, and I just ignored that and started kind of talking about something else related to their subject.  Because, let's face it, temple covenants = kind of confusing to investigators. So I just continued talking about the Light of Christ (their subject) in Portuguese, and it all worked out really well.  Elder Mundt tells me of times where the speaker decided to give a talk that was just awful for investigators, so he just talked into the microphone and gave the third missionary lesson.  So yeah, translating -- super awesome!  It was actually a really spiritual experience as well, because after a while I just found myself talking into the microphone and realizing that I wasn't even thinking about what I was doing any more.  And I talked to the Brazilian investigators afterwards and they all complimented me on what "a wonderful job" I did.  Elder Mundt had been translating for the last couple of weeks, and he told me he'd been having a pretty rough go -- he was originally a Spanish-speaking elder and President King switched him over to Portuguese.  So yeah, Elder Mundt's the man, but I've been speaking Portuguese a bit longer.  :)
     Well, that's about all I've got to tell you guys at this point -- email me about this letter when you get it!  Talk to you soon!
Love,
Elder McGregor