Guestbook Entry: Portuguese for Missionaries
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Hello,
My name is Joshua McMurray. I served from 97-99 in the Japan Nagoya Mission. When I served my mission there where as many as 200,000 Brazilians living in Japan. Although the mission remains in one piece, the elders that serve there are now called to speak either Portuguese or Japanese. When I served there, however, all elders where called to speak Japanese. If an elder studied Brazilian it was only by special invitation from the mission president.
About six months out on my mission the president asked what I thought about studying Portuguese, and I told him that I would rather focus on my Japanese. Consequently, I spent the rest of my mission proselyting to the Japanese countrysidemost Brazilians live in the city because that's where the biggest factories and the best paying jobs are. Nevertheless, I could not hide from the Brazilians.
A Brazilian in the Japanese countryside is like a firecracker going off during sacrament meeting, impossible to ignore. A mountain bike riding American sporting a beat-up suit and a crew cut is equally conspicuous, and we to naturally attract each other--wherever I went Brazilians followed.
Some of my most memorable experience on my mission in Japan was spent teaching the people of Brazil. Although I still stay in contact with my Japanese/English speaking Brazilian friends, I have always regretted passing up the opportunity to learn Portuguese.
I have decided to finally accept the invitation that was initially extended to me back in 97 and begin studding Portuguese. I distinctly remember there being a thick fluorescent green book called Portuguese for Missionaries. From what I hear, despite some minor flaws, that book is the best way to learn Portuguese. If anyone has that book and would be willing to part with it, I would be extremely grateful. I will also pay all shipping and handling costs. Many Thanks.
Please contact me at: joshuamm@hotmail.com |
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