Week 18 - Chamanculo A - "Make it Home" by Hoodie Allen

Munhava B Week 11 Beira

Everyone all Together

With this being my last email for the blog before I return home I would just like to write a little bit about these past two years..

6 weeks of the MTC, 18 weeks in Magoanine and Mahotas, 18 in Beira, 6 months in Swaziland, 18 weeks in Liberdade and another 18 weeks in Chamanculo. Had the blessing to serve with Elder Teela, Elder Macanige, Elder Riberio, Elder Griffeth (twice), Elder Nelson, Elder Souza (twice), Elder Feliciana, Elder Bindanda and Elder Barros. Learned unspeakable things by two loving mission presidents, President and Sister Koch and President and Sister Senna. Tried to learn Portuguese. Adapted to very different cultures, climates and circumstances. Ate some dope food. Saw many miracles. Felt sadness, homesickness, discouragement but was also overwhelmed by love, happiness, and joy. Searched and fell in love with the scriptures. Missed two years of music, movies, football, and most of all experiences and memories with my family. Devoted this time together with my best friends for the same purpose all around the world.

And what have I gotten in return?

I have, as well as many others in these past two years came close to our Savoir, Jesus Christ.

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." - Romans 5:1-5

I have been beyond blessed to see how truly the Gospel brings light to everyone especially to the people where I have been designated to serve. Words will never be able to express the love that I have for the people of Mozambique and Swaziland. And I will never be able to thank enough all of those who have helped me on this journey. But special thanks go to my Mom and Dad for making all the sacrifices that they have, so that I could serve as a full time missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and as a representative of our Savoir, Jesus Christ. He lives, and this is His Church. Joseph Smith is a true prophet and was called to restore all of these things in the latter days. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. Heavenly Father loves us.

Love,

Elder Chipman

Mozambique Maputo Mission

Sept. 2015 - Aug. 2017

Alma 26:12

Fairview B  Week 1 Swaziland
Saying what up to the school kids. 

Munhava B Week 4  Beira
Getting some help crossing the Street. 

Week 17 - Chamanculo A - "No Scrubs" by TLC

Yooo what is yall??

First off congrats to Cait and Bret! I cannot wait to find out if you'll be having a boy or a girl next week!

This week was yet another great one for Elder Souza and Elder Xibaba (my street name) haha. We had the chance to be a part of some fun activities; a family night with the Sisters and Laurinda's family, celebrating Shanaya's bday with her and her family, and an Elder's Quorum activity on Saturday. So, all the activities and what not were popping as always!

Pedro and Benjamin are all set for this weekend for their baptisms and they are super excited for it. Henriques and the gang all came to church on Sunday and it was super fun to see them there and also them come to some of the activities that went down. Carlos and Elsa have gotten the consent from both sides of the family and so it’s a big ol' green light for their wedding and baptism that will be happening in September!

Elder Souza was a little sick on Thursday so we spent the day at the apartment. Thanks to many Elder Holland and John Bytheway talks I was able to make it through without thinking about home that much haha.  Elder Souza is feeling all better now.

I would like to share with you all a scripture that ever since I read it this week, I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. Jacob 5:41,

"41 And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard wept, and said unto the servant: What could I have done more for my vineyard?

After reading this scripture small scripture, together with the context of the chapter, I was able to feel the love the Heavenly Father has for each and every single one of us. He will do everything, He will dig and water and weed, trim, prune, transplant, and graft so that we might be happy. And I know that true happiness only comes through following the example of His Perfect Son, Jesus Christ. And I also love this quote from President Monson, "“God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve love. It is simply always there.”

Love you all,

Have a great week!

Elder Chipman

Family Night at the Media home. 

Lurdes made us Tseki and Xima!! So we had a nice
lunch with our homies Bruno and Kevin. 

 

Family night with the Sisters and Imra Luarinda's. 

Joao, our investigator, just doing some hoodrat things with
the tatoos gun that he made. haha