About me...

Haisai!
Genki? Boku wa genki da yo.
Thank you so much for all your e-mails and your love. Im deeply touched that all of you will take time out to send me some lines. Im grateful for each one of you because I feel your love, as well as my Saviors love in everything you do for me and those around you. Keep it up, and other surely feel the same way.
Ive been writing a lot about the area, investigators, dendou (missionary work), and at the same time everyone tells me to write about myself. The more I work the more I lose myself in this great work, so that request comes a little offhand, but Ill do my best.
Heavenly Father lives. He loves me. I know that He sent His literal Son in the flesh, and watched Him suffer in the Garden of Gethsemane, and again on the cross on Calvary, so that I could have a chance at returning to His presence. That knowledge strengthens me, and gives me more happiness and peace in my heart, as I try to rely on the Atonement of my Savior, and friend, even Jesus Christ, to overcome myself, my sins, my mistakes, and become a better son of God. I know my Savior lives. He is the Redeemer of mankind, and there is no other way by which peace in this life and eternally might come, unless its through His redeeming blood.
This has changed me. Living the Gospel more than I ever had has made me conscious of my weaknesses, faults, and sins. But I feel my Saviors love as I kneel in prayer, and ask for, and receive, His mercy and forgiveness. My heart has become softer. My ability to love others has increased. My patience is much stronger, and my ability to resist temptation is ever higher. It is because of Him. I am nothing without His help.
Yes, I am still frustrated a lot of times. Frustrated that I dont feel as effective as I could be. That I still have sins and weaknesses which make me a lesser missionary than I hope to be. But through His Gospel, I came to understand my purpose, and I am filled when I think of all the blessings He has given me.
My body aches - a lot. But as I kneel and bow before my Father, He strengthens me and revitalizes my energy through the joy of His Son - who suffered more than I could ever hope to imagine.
Im happy. I want to see even more success. Our investigators and ward members show an incredible example of faith and love. I love this place.
We meet a lot of crazy people too... "my father: police man, taxi man, post man!!!" -what the....
But Im strengthened through the love of my Savior. I am happy because I have the Gospel, and He has seen fit to pour out His mercy and love on my unworthy soul, and mold me into someone I never knew I could be. This is His true Gospel and it brings happiness to those who are at least willing to try it - with just a small desire.
Im having fun. My companion is great and we keep work fun as we try to overcome our weaknesses and reach out to those who are searching for this wonderful Gospel.
Its hard. Its frustrating. But it has brought me more joy and peace than I could have imagined.
My bike is awesome. Although it has brought about recently, a specially painful pimple on my left cheek (the one I sit on, thats right), which makes it hurt everytime I sit - but makes me laugh with my companion every time I think about it!
I love the mission. I love this experience. I love my Savior, friend, companion, and Light. He lives. He has brought about this great work through a living prophet, and has shown us the way to happiness and eternal life.
I love all my friends, families and leaders, and until we meet again, I pray for your safety, peace, and success. With much love,

Elder Victor M. S. Mourao
Japan Hiroshima Mission