1/25/2010 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

Another transfer has come and gone. I have now been transferred, and am now serving on a different Island, São Vicente. I served on the Island of Fogo for three transfers with Elders Nobrega, Chun, and Almeida, and enjoyed my time there very much. I am now serving in the area of Monte Ssosego Norte Mindelo in Mindelo Branch 2. São Vicente is different from Fogo, but I am sure I will adjust soon.

My last few weeks in Fogo, we starting teaching three brothers about the gospel of Jesus Christ. They were great kids, and loved each time we visited, but it was always the younger brother that seemed to have the most excitement every time we talked about the gospel. Every time we would teach a lesson and invite them to do something, this little boy was overly excited and just couldn't sit still in his chair. His excitement for the gospel was something that just made he overly happy, so see a young boy so excited about following his Heavenly Father's plan. We invited him to attended a baptism service of someone else that was being baptized, we invited him to come to church with us on Sunday, and many other things, and every time, he replied and acted with a smile on his face and great joy in his heart. Being "excited" about the gospel is a wonderful thing. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan of happiness for everything, and when I see people "excited" about the gospel, it makes me have the desire to be even more excited myself, and surely helps me recognize the many blessings in my life.

This past week here in São Vicente, I was pleased to meet many of the members and our friends here in the area. They are humble and happy people, all who are learning more about Jesus Christ. During our lessons with many of these people, I could easily see in their responses and appearance that they recognized us, as missionaries, as "True Messengers" of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Everyday it is a blessing to serve my Heavenly Father, and help others find the blessings which I enjoy in my life. I know that Christ lives, and that Heavenly Father is always ready to listen and respond to our prayers. Until next week...

For more information about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, visit http://www.mormon.org/

1/11/2010 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

This week was an exciting week as I became one more year older.

Now I am 20 years old. Wow! My friends here had an amazing party for me, and I enjoyed my first Birthday in the mission very much.

There is a Hymn of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that is titled Called to Serve that outlines and explains well the purpose of Missionary Work and why it is so important.

The words are as follows:

Called to serve Him, heav'nly King of glory,

Chosen e'er to witness for his name,

Far and wide we tell the Father's story,

Far and wide his love proclaim.

Called to know the richness of his blessing--

Sons and daughters, children of a King--

Glad of heart, his holy name confessing,

Praises unto him we bring.

Onward, ever onward, as we glory in his name; . . .

God our strength will be; press forward ever,

Called to serve our King.

I love the message of this hymn. The message is clear. We, as missionaries, are called and sent forth by the Lord, through His living prophets, to lands and countries around the world to proclaim his great message, to witness for His name and tell of His story. As missionaries, we enjoy the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and truly reap the blessings of service.

As a Missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as a Representative of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I am filled with joy everyday, having the privilege of serving our Father in Heaven, and telling all of His children about His wonderful plan for us, and how we can experience joy and happiness in our lives.

This past week I spent 2-3 days on a division, when I went to another area to serve with a different companion for a short period of time. I had the great privilege to serve together with one of my friends, Elder Coleman, and we had a great time together. Elder Coleman and I spent my Birthday together, but, we also worked our hardest, and really thought and pondered about the needs of those people that we were going to teach that day. As Elder Coleman and I sat in our Companionship Study, and one by one thought about each of our Heavenly Fathers children that we would teach that day, we followed the Holy Spirit, and planned accordingly. At the end of our day, we looked back at some of the lessons we taught, and realized that we had a really good day, and really helped some of our Heavenly Father´s children learn more about Him, and come closer to Him.

I know that the Holy Spirit is real, and that as we listen to the soft still voice of the Spirit, we will follow the will of our Father. I believe, without any doubt, that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord´s Kingdom on Earth. I thank everyone for their letters, cards, thoughts, and prayers, as I serve our King, Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ.

1/04/2010 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

This week is the first week of the new year, 2010. Wow. As they new year begins, one thing that I have been thinking about lately, is goals for this year. In our personal lives, we have many things to accomplish. School, work, and family take a lot of our time, and somethings we find ourselves saying "There just isn't enough time in a day."
Having a goal, or a desire to do something, along with a final result in mind, helps us to progress and accomplish things more easily.
When we think of "goals" we may begin to think about how much weight we want to weigh, what we want to do with our education or work, and other things of other subjects. One thing we may sometimes pass by and not think so much about is our spiritual life. What about the goals that will affect our spiritual progress. Some ideas for spiritual goals might be, our prayers, our reading of the Holy Scriptures, or even the time we spend with our family.
I know without a doubt, that when we make goals, we will progress and find much more success in our lives.
Missionary Work is going forth with full force here in Cape Verde, and I am enjoying every minute of it. This past week my Branch had a huge New Year's Eve party for the members, and they were nice and brought and shared some food with us in our house. With the beginning of this New Year, I see a lot of time ahead of me, a blessing, that I look forward to with all of my heart.
I know that Jesus is the Christ; our Savior and Redeemer. I love and thank everyone for their support as I serve here in Cape Verde.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

12/21/2009 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

This past week has been a week full of many wonderful things.

One thing that I really noticed during this past week, is the power and truthfulness of the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

As I Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ here in Cape Verde, I am never surprised when our message, the message of God's Love for His children, changes the lives of many people.

This past week as we were teaching a house of 4 young men between the ages of 14-19, we had a wonderful lesson about some of the commandments that our Heavenly Father has given us to follow. The presence of the Holy Spirit was strong, and the messages was clear. Every time we teach a lesson, one of the most important parts of our visits is the end, when we ask our investigators, our friends, if they have any questions for us. During this visit our friends had many questions between what they have already learned about the Gospel in their Church and what we were teaching them. With the many different religions today, there is much confusion about plain and simple gospel truths. With the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, these confusions and questions are clear and answered.

As our friends began to ask us many questions about "Why does the Bible say..." or "Why do most people think..." and "Why does my church say...," we answered their questions accordingly, clearly, and simply. The one thing that was continuous in our answers was "The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ" and how once they gained a testimony, and knew without a doubt that the Book of Mormon is true, all of their questions would quickly and easily be resolved. The Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ as Savior, Redeemer, and King. The Book of Mormon clarifies truths of the Gospel that are not clearly noted in the Bible. Surely, the Holy Bible, and the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ contain the fullness of the Gospel.

I testify and know without any doubt, that the Book of Mormon contains Words of God; teachings of prophets anciently that we can still apply and use in our daily lives. I know the God Lives, and Jesus is the Christ.

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year filled with many joyful things. As I am here in Cape Verde, experiencing my first Christmas away from home, I am reminded of the many blessings that our Loving Heavenly Father has blessed us with. I am so very thankful for my family and friends who I love and care for greatly. I hope that everyone enjoys a wonderful Christmas full of Joy and Happiness.

I would highly encourage everyone to check out this wonderful website with many great things about Christmas. ( http://www.lds.org/topic/christmas ) This site contains great videos, music, ideas, and resources about the Christmas Season.

From my heart, with Love, MERRY CHRISTMAS! ( Feliz Natal! )

12/14/2009 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

Wow! This past week has been a great week; a week of hard work and great things happening. This week I met so many great people, and have helped so many people come unto Christ. This past week was the first week of a new transfer, and my companion and I worked really hard, walking a lot, talking a lot, teaching a lot, and leaving people with many invitations to come unto Christ.

One great thing that happened this week is that a family I am teaching, decided to set a date for marriage as well as baptism. They are going to be married and baptized together here in the next 5 weeks, and I am very excited and happy for them.

Right now I am teaching and helping many people learn more about the gospel of Jesus Christ, and helping them come unto Christ, and it is just incredible. The blessings and happiness that come from being engaged in the Lord's work is amazing.

It is wonderful to see how the gospel of Jesus Christ can change a persons desires and lifestyles, and can help them come closer to their Savior, and begin on the pathway with leads to Eternal Life.

I am so thankful for the privilege I have to serve as a representative of Christ here in Cape Verde. I know, and have a testimony with without any doubts, that the Heavens are opened, and that our Loving Heavenly Father continues to hear our prayers, and answers accordingly. I know that we have a Prophet that lives and leads our Heavenly Father's kingdom here on Earth, along with 12 Apostles. They are men called of God, and special witnesses of Jesus Christ.

I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful Christmas Season!

12/7/2009 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

Another transfer has again, finished. This past week was my last with with my companion, Elder Chun. Elder Chun and I served together in Fonte Aleixo for 6 weeks, and we had a great time. It was Elder Chuns last transfer of his mission, and he finished his 24 months and is now headed home to his home in Hawaii. I learned a lot and had a great time with Elder Chun, and saw it as a great pleasure to serve with him.
Now, I am staying in the Area of Fonte Aleixo for my third transfer and will be serving together with Elder Almeida. Elder Almeida is from Brazil, and just finished serving for 6 months in the mission office as Secretary. I am excited to see what great work I can accomplish with him.

This past week as we taught our investigators, we found and taught some people who have made some big mistakes in their lives. These people are great people, and have come to develop a desire to change their lives, and accept and live the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is such a wonderful feeling to be an important part in the lives of the people I serve, and to have the privilege to help them accomplish their desires, be baptized, and live their lives in harmony with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I am so thankful for the gospel in my life, and especially grateful for the privilege to serve here in Cape Verde. I am very happy that I am able to serve here in Fogo, in Fonte Aleixo for another Transfer.

I hope everyone is doing well, and are enjoying this holiday season.

11/30/2009 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

This past week as family and friends in America celebrated Thanksgiving, I realized the importance of "The small and precious things" in our lives. As I am serving my mission here in Cape Verde, I often will think of many of the precious things I left behind to serve the Lord; my family, friends, and all of the things we enjoy in America that other people don't have. This Thanksgiving truly gave me the feeling of "Thanksgiving" as I truly thought and pondered about all of the blessings I enjoy in my life. I am so thankful for my family, for my friends, and for everything I have in my life.
Life here in Cape Verde is going well. I can not believe that today is the last day of November already. Time is going quickly. When I woke up this morning I was a little cold, and looked at the temperature, and it was 70 degrees. haha.
The Lord's work is going forward. These past few weeks I have seen many people be baptized and make that sacred covenant with the Lord. It is wonderful how all around the world, people are enjoying the blessings of the gospel, and I am so thankful for the opportunity I have to share the gospel with the people of Cape Verde. What a blessing. There is no greater joy than sharing the gospel with others.
I thank my family and friends for your prayers and thoughts. Your letters and packages mean a lot to me and bring me great joy. Thank you!

11/23/2009 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

The work here in Cape Verde is going well. Many people have been sick lately from a disease called "Dengue," but everything is going well. The winter season is not cold and snowy here like it would be at home, but it is bright and warm.

Time is going quickly in the mission, and I find the weeks and days going by quickly.

The assistants delivered the mail this past week and I recieved my letters and packages from all of my friends and family. Thank you very much for everyone that sent me mail!

One thing that is important in our lives, but something that a lot of us don't have is a lot of Patience. As I taught 1 of our members this week about Patience, I recognized how important it is for us to also have patience with one another, as well as with our Heavenly Father. Most times, as we are patient and wait for the blessings to come, they do, and they are great. Patience is an attribute of Christ that we can always work on.

I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, and Heavenly Father loves us very much.
I thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers as I serve here in Cape Verde.

11/16/2009 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

This week on Sunday, as I was eating my lunch, my companion and I were listening to a CD of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. As one of the hymns played, "I'm trying to be like Jesus," I paid special attention to the words that were sung. I had never really listened and pondered the lyrics of this hymn before. They are beautiful.

This hymn reads: I’m trying to be like Jesus; I’m following in his ways. I’m trying to love as he did, in all that I do and say. At times I am tempted to make a wrong choice, But I try to listen as the still small voice whispers, “Love one another as Jesus loves you. Try to show kindness in all that you do. Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought, For these are the things Jesus taught.

How beautiful are the words and the message of this hymn. As we learn more about, and keep the commandments of Christ, we are indeed following him, but we must also do the things that he would do as well. As a Missionary, and as a Representative of Jesus Christ here in Cape Verde, I work full-time to always teach and do as Jesus would do, but the great thing about this hymn is that everyone can follow the message of this song and "love one another," try to show kindness," and always do the things that our Savior would do.

The work is pressing forward in full force here in Cape Verde. Please continue to pray for missionary work to continue to press forward in full-force.

I know that the Church of Jesus Christ which Christ once established on the earth during His earthly ministry has been restored. I have a strong testimony that the Priesthood or Authority of Christ has been restored. Jesus Christ is our Savior. He Lives.

11/9/2009 Letter from Elder Shelhamer

This past week has been another great week here in Cape Verde.
One thing that I have really pondered about this week is the importance and love of Families. When we (Missionaries) teach people about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, one of the things that we are sure to teach about is the importance and significance of families in our lives. I love this principle. I have found this week, that as I taught about Families, and how important families are to us, I felt the Holy Spirit testify to me with great influence that this is indeed true. When I teach about Families, I love to tell people how important my family is to me, and share with them, how much I love my family. I have a strong testimony that Families are ordained of our Loving Heavenly Father. ( See www.lds.org/family )
I love the food of Cape Verde. Basically our Food here consists of Fish, Rice, Beans, and Vegetables. There is also a special Cape Verdean dish called "CaChupa" that I really love to eat.
This past week I had the great privilege to baptize two wonderful people. A girl that the Sister Missionaries were teaching, as well as someone that I taught, Jorge. Jorge was a referral that we received about a month ago from a family member. We met Jorge, and started teaching him about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As we taught Jorge, he continued to learn more about the teachings of Jesus Christ, and agreed to live his life in harmony with gospel principles. It was an incredible experience to meet, teach, and baptize one of Heavenly Fathers children, and help them come closer to their Savior Jesus Christ.
I would like to give one quick piece of advice to all of my family and friends about Missionaries. Most people know that Missionaries travel around and teach about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I would like to extend a personal invitation to all of my friends and family, to accept the invitation to listen to what the Missionaries have to say. When an Elder or a Sister Missionary knocks on your door, or invites you to listen to their message, listen and do so. The choice to accept our message or not is yours, but I can say with all of my heart, that me listening to the messages that the Missionaries taught me, changed my life.
I know that Jesus Christ took upon himself the sins of the world, and that we can return to our Heavenly Home and live with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ again after this life.
I thank everyone for all of your prayers and thoughts. Heavenly Father surely watches over and protects his fellow servants, the Missionaries.

11/02/2009 Letter from Elder Shelhamer

This past week has been great. One of the things I can notice we are really doing in our area right now is completing families, and sharing the gospel with family members that haven't received it, and close friends. This is great. It is wonderful to see and feel the joy of someone when another family member accepts and lives the principles of the gospel.
I really love the branch I am serving in. Everyday I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve the people in this area.
This past week Elder Chun and I made some homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies for an activity at the chapel, and everyone loved them. It was a lot of fun to make them. Also, we have a blender in the house, so my companion and I have been making slushies everyday with juice mix and stuff. They are sooooo good. haha. We work hard, but when we return to the house, we know how to relax and prepare for the next day well.
I have no doubt in my mind or heart that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's kingdom once again established on the earth. I witness things everyday that continue to strengthen my testimony of this. I know that Heavenly Father loves us more than we can imagine. His love is expressed in the work and lives of Missionaries everyday.
If anyone is reading this blog, that is not a member of the LDS Church, and wants to read a little bit more about our message, visit http://www.mormon.org/ . This site contains the basic doctrines and principles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I thank everyone for their prayers and thoughts. The Lords' work shall press forward.

10/26/2009 Letter from Elder Joshua Shelhamer

My first transfer is over. Wow. It went very fast. My trainer, Elder Nobrega, has left and is home in Portugal. This was his last transfer. He was a great trainer, and I will miss him a lot. He helped me learn a lot of things, and together our work was excellent. I am so very grateful for the opportunity I had to serve with him.
The second transfer has begun, and my new Companion is Elder Chun. Elder Chun is from Hawaii, and is very cool. He was my Zone Leader this past transfer, and I am very excited to serve with him now. I am staying in my same area this next transfer. Elder Chun and I have a lot of work to do in our area, and I am very excited to labor with him in the Lord's work.
This past week has been, hot. haha. It is always warm here in Cape Verde. My last transfer I was working in both Fonte Aleixo and Patim, on the Island of Fogo, but now, the Mission President is sending new missionaries to Patim this transfer, and so Elder Chun and I can focus more on Fonte Aleixo.
The people here are wonderful. There are many times when I can be walking down the street headed somewhere, and feel in my heart, the Love that our Heavenly Father has for these people. It is just a remarkable feeling.
I love this work. This work that I am engaged in is the work of the Lord, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve as a representative of Christ. It was interesting seeing my last companion finish his mission and go home. I have a lot of time left here, and I am so happy for that.

10/19/2009 Letter from Elder Shelhamer

This week was an exciting week here in Cape Verde. This Saturday, I had my first baptisms with people that I taught. It was a wonderful day! It is such a great experience to meet a person, have the privilege to teach them about the gospel of Jesus Christ, and watch them change their lives and live and follow the example of our Savior. It was a wonderful opportunity to witness them make a covenant and promise with the Lord by being Baptized. It was great. One of the three people that were baptized chose me to baptize them too! So I was able to perform this ordinance. It was a beautiful day, and many friends and family members present to witness and feel the wonderful spirit of the Baptism.
The same day, we had a big gathering at the church. We gave people invitations to give to their family and friends, and they all came for the afternoon and evening for this activity. The activity was kind of like an Open House. Each auxiliary or group in the church, made a presentation of what that group does and how they function. We had something in most of the rooms of the chapel. In the main room, the Sacrament Meeting room, we had the singing of hymns. Outside by the soccer field, we had a few of the Women serving a Cape Verdean dish that they prepared in a barrel with fire right there at the church. It was great. The way we ran this activity was like a rotation. Every 5 to 10 minutes we would have a rotation where people would go to the next room and learn more about the programs of the church. It was a great activity and people really enjoyed it.
Here in Cape Verde we walk SO MUCH. We live at the bottom of a hill, and the Chapel is at the top of the hill, along with other people we visit. We walk SO much, and sometimes we are so tired we have to just walk really slow. The roads here in Cape Verde all mostly all Cobblestone or dirt. It is pretty cool.
I have developed a greater understanding and testimony of the scripture that states ´Every soul is of great worth in the sight of God.´ I see so many different types and lifestyles of people here, and I can tell you that I have no doubt, and have a great knowledge that every soul indeed has great worth in the sight of God.
I have been working a little bit, like 2-3 days a week for a few hours in an area called Patim which is about 30 minutes outside of our main area. We have worked hard there, and talked with our Mission President, and our Mission President has decided to send missionaries there this next transfer and open the area for full time missionary work. What a great blessing.
Everything is going well here. Life is good. My companion, Elder Nóbrega goes home this next week to Portugal, and so I am excited to see who my next companion is!

10/12/2009 Letter from Elder Shelhamer

Cape Verde. I love it. This past week we had a very exciting Preparation Day! Our Zone and a group of members of the church gathered together and went on a trip, ... to the Volcano!
The Island I am currently serving on is a volcanic island, and it has a volcano on the eastern side of the island. We got together some vans and all traveled to the volcano.
It was a lot of fun! At first when I looked at the volcano I wondered how I was ever going to climb it. It is huge. We started out walking in this little town at the base of the volcano, and started our way up. The first 15~30 minutes wasn't too bad, but then we started to get to the steeper part of the volcano. It was difficult. Slowly, my legs started to get more tired with every step I took. We started having to climb rocks, and hang on with our hands so that we didn't fall back down. It was rough. Our water ran out about half way up the volcano. We had two groups, and I was in the second one. About half way up, we began to see the top of the volcano. I could see my friends almost at the top, and it was an inspiration to continue. It got harder and harder as we continued to climb the volcano.
After an hour or so of climbing this volcano, I was SO tired. Every minute or so, I had to stop and take a break. My heart was beating so fast because we were working so hard. I was hoping that I had the strength in me to make it all the way to the top. We struggled, and continued to climb and climb, and finally made it to the top. What a relief.
One of my friends had some water left over and shared it. The inside of the volcano smelled very strong like sulfur. A few people climbed down inside of the volcano to write their names with rocks. When you are on top of this volcano, it feels like you are on top of the world. We could see the ocean around us, the towns down below under the clouds. It was great. We stayed at the top of the Volcano for about 45 minutes to an hour.
THEN, the fun part came, going back down.
The last top part before you reach the top is all rock, and so you have you use your hands and climb the rocks. So, going back down was fun as well. We walked and climbed down the rocks, until we came to a part that was gravel. Walking up the volcano~we took a way that was a bit solid and a little easier, but going down we found a place that was basically all sand. To get back down to the bottom, we RAN down the volcano. Yeah. We ran and skipped down the side of the volcano, each step or leap, landing in the volcano rock like sand and then once in a while just jumping and falling. It was SO much fun. By about half way down my pants pockets, shoes, and everything were filled with the rocks. ha ha. It was so much fun to go down. It is one of the most fun things I have ever done.
When we made it down to the bottom, we were tired and exhausted. It was a good day, and we went back to our place, cleaned up, and started working again.
What an adventure. With the adventure I also learned a lesson. When things get rough, continue to endure it all. The result in the end is bright and true. Life is just like my volcano experience. Sometimes we work hard, we feel the pain, we are tired of everything, and we just want to give up, but the end result is always worth the wait and the suffering. The same is true with life and living the gospel principles. Sometimes we may have difficult times in our lives to endure, but, endure it well. The result and reward after this life is real and I reassure you is worth your work now.
I know that Heavenly Father loves us. I know that he loves us. Jesus Christ is our Savior, and suffered for our sins so that we are able to returned and live in the Presence of our Heavenly Father forever. We have guidelines to live by in this life, gospel principles, but again, I know that by living this principles, we are rewarded in more ways and in marvelous ways that we can not even comprehend.
Thank you for your prayers and thoughts as I continue to serve the lovely people of Cape Verde.

10/7/09 Letter from Elder Shelhamer

These past few weeks have been great. I love it here. I am doing well, and am healthy. The work here is great, and everything is just, wonderful. Life is good.
So I am currently serving in an area called Fonte Aleixo. It is cool. This past week the power has been going off every day though. Its crazy. Also, we didn´t have water for about three days, it came back yesterday, and now it is gone again. Haha. Crazy.
Work is going well. We have an area called Patim that we go out to. Its about 30 minutes away from our house by car. To travel to this area, we travel in their method of public transportation. They have pickup trucks with bars on the side that we hope in and go flying down the road. It is always an adventure.

This past week when we were out there we had a very interesting lesson. We know that Heavenly Father loves all of His children, and everyone needs to hear our message, and so, we try to talk to everyone. This past week we went to this one woman, who lived in a small cement-block house. It was in very poor condition, and smelled bad. We entered and she gave us her best chairs to sit on, which as a normal American, you wouldn´t want to sit on them. We sat down, and started a lesson with her, and then her 6 children came in. They had on either no clothes, or a t-shirt that was ripped, torn, and dirty, but they had smiles and were just wonderful. They all gathered around their mother for the lesson. As we taught the lesson, a neighbor came in, and stood to the side and listened to the message. It was a older lady. She took one of the kids into the hall of the house and started hitting-beating this child. The child returned to the room a few minutes later crying, and the mother was upset. Remember, we were in the middle of a lesson. This old lady had something against these children, because as she stood there during our lesson, she kept moving closer to the other children, and kept hitting them in the head. It was very sad. The mother got very mad, and screamed at the lady to leave, but she wanted one of our pamphlets first. We gave he one and she left, and the lesson continued... Life for the people here is rough. But this is their live. They love their Heavenly Father here, and we have many strong members. But there are times with interesting things like this.
I am out of time for today, until next time.

9/30/2009 First week in Cape Verde

Ive been in Cape Verde for one week already. haha.

It was a great week. In my area we have a branch that meets in two different locations. We have a chapel that is pretty nice, and then a building about 30 minutes away that we meet in as well.

The members of the church here are very active in the church and love the gospel. Most of the members here are fairly recent converts, and love to be active. It is fairly easy to get the members to come out and teach with us. Also, since the gospel means so much in their lives, it is fairly easy for us to get referrals. People here want their family and friends to hear the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and have true happiness in their lives as well.

It is hard to describe the living conditions here. People live in cinder brick block cement houses, that usually wont have carpet or the necessities of most American homes. They really don't have much here, and live in poor conditions. When I say that, I do not mean that they are suffering or starving for food, but they simply live simple lives, and are very happy about it.

It is interesting to look at their clothing here, like their t-shirts, because most of the clothing here has come as donations from the United States, and so we will often see people wearing clothing with logos from American Cartoons such as Dora the Explorer, American Sports teams, special attractions (Ive seen a few Pennsylvania Shirts), and other stuff.

This past week has been very hot. Very hot. We walk A LOT up and down streets and hills, and sweat, a lot. haha. Also, the power is interesting here, and tends to go off at least once a day for an hour or more. Very interesting.

We come to an Internet Cafe every week to send emails.This week we had my first Zone Conference, where our Zone (approximately 12-15 missionaries) meet for meetings of information and instruction with the Mission President and his assistants. It was a lot of fun.

My first week we have already been teaching many lessons per day. We are currently teaching many people about the gospel of Jesus Christ, and helping them come closer to their Savior. The work is great.

I've learned this week to always work to develop more faith. Here in Cape Verde, they basically know Portuguese, but they speak different types of Creole and it is different, and hard to understand. I can not understand Creole yet, which is what they speak all of the time, and so, it is a bit frustrating at times. Imagine yourself, in a foreign country, Cape Verde, surrounded by good people that you don't know, and all of them are having conversations and looking at you. You have no idea what they are talking about or saying. haha. Its difficult. At times when I see people in a bar, or along the street smoking and watching us walk by, and they are having a conversation, I of course have no idea what they are talking about, and so sometimes I develop a little bit of a fear. This is the work of Satan trying to slow down my work, and dampen my spirit.

Fear, comes from Satan, and Faith and happiness can be found through the Savior. As we develop more and more faith in the Savior, we will find ourselves on safe ground. I have no reason to fear others, because I have great faith in Jesus Christ, and am pleased to be a Representative of Jesus Christ for the people here in Cape Verde, teaching and testifying of Him. I know that as I continue to study, teach, and pray, always inviting the spirit to attend with me, I will be safe, I will feel safe.

Missionary Work is great. I love it. I know that God does live. And He Loves ALL of His children around the world. I know that the gospel does bless lives, and I see if happen everyday. Jesus Christ is our Savior. The Church of Jesus Christ is His kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to His glorious second coming. I know these things to be true, and say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

9/21/09 Letter from Elder Shelhamer

Hello! Today is my 4th day here in Cape Verde, and I am loving it.
I am currently serving on the Island of Fogo, in the area of Fonte Aleixo.
On Friday, we went to the Mission Home where the Mission President lives and where the mission office is. We had a wonderful dinner in the Presidents house and then went off to the assistants and the secretaries homes to sleep.
On Saturday, we were split up into the different areas in Praia, and went out and worked with the other Elders in the area for the day. I spent the day serving with Elder Luthi and Elder Rodriguez. (sp?). It was a lot of fun. We talked and taught a lot of people about the gospel. I spent the night with them.
On Sunday, we went to church. The church building is one floor of a multi-level building. It was pretty nice. There were a lot of people there. Right after church, I packed up all of my stuff and went to the assistants home to prepare to leave for Fogo. Our plane to Fogo was supposed to leave at 4pm, but ended up leaving an hour late. The airline here is interesting, they seem to go at their own pace with no cares. I see that in a lot of the Cape Verdeans. They really have no worries in their life and are very relaxed. They are a very kind and patient people. It is wonderful. Well, we eventually made it to Fogo, and met the Zone Leaders at the Airport. The Zone leaders then took me to my new home where I met my first companion, and my trainer, Elder Nóbrega. He is from Portugal, and seems like a great person. I have heard many great things about him from other people, and so I am very excited to find out what he can teach me. He only has five weeks here until he goes home.
Today (Monday) we went down to the beach for a while to sit by the ocean and play around. Today (Monday) and every Monday, is our Preparation Day when we have some time for recreation, cleaning, shopping, and other things. The beaches here on Fogo have black sand. It is very beautiful. I love the beaches here. After the beach, we went up to the airport at 10am when our bags were supposed to finally arrive. We decided to walk there, being that it is not too far (only a few miles), and an announcement came over the intercom saying that the plane is not coming in today. I´m not sure if they said why. So then we came down here to a place called "The room of information" where they have Internet that we can use.
I love Cape Verde so much, and I am so excited to be here for two years and serve the wonderful people.

9/18/09 Letter from Elder Shelhamer

I arrived today in Cape Verde. We arrived safely, but we aren't quite sure where our luggage is. We are hoping it will come soon.We recieved a warm welcome to the mission with a wonderful meal from Sister Neves (The Mission President's wife) in the mission home.The first area I am serving in is the Island of Fogo Fonte Aleixo. I am very excited.

9/11/09 Letter from Elder Shelhamer

This is my last report from the Provo Missionary Training Center. In only 6 days, I will be leaving for Cape Verde. I have enjoyed every moment of my time here at the MTC, and learned a lot. I am so grateful for my opportunity to be here for 9 weeks.
I'm now in the phase where we are finishing our last week of classes, reviewing everything, preparing to leave, and packing.
There is a quote I like from Beryl Markham that says "If a man has any greatness in him, it comes to light not in one flamboyant moment, but during his ledger of time." A lot of times we may be quick to judge others and their goodness from our first impressions with them, and not notice the total goodness that may come from that person. Every single person, is a son or daughter of God, whose soul is of great worth. Charity, which is the pure love of Christ, is one of the attributes of Christ that we should all constantly try to develop and improve upon. This next week, when you meet someone, or deal with someone, I encourage you to think of them as a child of God, with great worth, and you will see your dealings with others will become much better.
I thank everyone for all of your letters and packages here at the Missionary Training Center. Please continue to send me letters/packages in Cape Verde. When doing so, please send them to the other addresses now. Letters now should be sent to the Salt Lake Address, and packages should be sent straight to Cape Verde. *Please also note that when sending letters to the Salt Lake Address, this is a special pouch mail service, and they will only accept "Letters." Anything else such as pictures, etc, should be sent to the Cape Verde Address.
I thank you for your prayers, thoughts, and concerns. They are all felt, needed, and appreciated. It is very comforting to know that people like yourself are there encouraging and thinking about my service along the way. Thank you. May the Lord continue to Bless you.

9/4/09 Letter from Elder Shelhamer

This week at the Provo Missionary Training Center has been another successful week. We are continuing to learn more and more of the Portuguese Language, along with continuing to grow spiritually.
I recieved my flight plans this week, and I will outline the overall plans:
I am leaving from Salt Lake City, UT USA on September 17, 2009 and arriving in London, England on September 18, 2009.
I leave London, England on September 18, 2009 and arrive in Lisbon, Portugal the same day.
I then fly from Lisbon, Portugal to Cape Verde Islands.
We are very excited to leave the Missionary Training Center and head to Cape Verde. This next week I am going to up my level of concentration even more, and do all I can to not waste a single minute of the Lord's time. I can learn a lot of things in my last full week here at the MTC.
I thank everyone for your letters/packages while here at the Missionaries Training Center. They were greatly appreciated and brought great joy. From this point forward, please use my other addresses now for sending letters/packages.
Serving as a respresentative of Jesus Christ brings great joy to my life, and the adventure is only beginning. I encourage you to keep updated on this blog for the many stories that will come from Cape Verde.
I know that there is a God, and that He is our Loving Heavenly Father. He loves us. He sent His Son Jesus Christ to Atone for our sins, that we might be able to return and live in the presence of God once again. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's Kingdom on Earth, once again established on the Earth. I know these things to be true, and testify these things in the name of Jesus Christ; Amen.
If you have any questions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, go to http://www.mormon.org.