BRAZIL DE NOVO

Here was our busy week. When Dad teaches the Employment course, it takes many hours, three days a week downtown via the bus. His students loved it and wanted their picture. So, here they are, and one of Dad giving his tithing and offerings demonstration. The tall girl is one I am teaching English to. She is so fun.



Then Friday we had dinner at one of the couples apt. here, then Saturday we were invited to Gilmar da Silva´s for dinner (lunch). (he is the man who picked us up from the airport when we arrived, the previous coordinator for FPE. He drove us to his home (out of the city).

On the way I took these pictures of a favela. So sad to see people so poor. It was so wonderful to get away from the noise and bustle of SP. The Silva´s actually have a home that is separate from other homes. It is so pretty – a real home not connected by cement walls and no buses or trucks or sirens

His wife and daughters cooked us the most wonderful meal – brazillian style of course and Bro. Silva is there cooking the meat. This is the back yard area, but there is more to the yard on the other side.


Then typical of Brazillians, they like to talk all night – and they had this big parrot that is always outside in a big cage, it barked like their dogs and can speak Portuguese - probably better than I can - so funny. We finally had to tell them we have things to do for Sunday, and he brought us home. It was so sweet of them though.

Then of course, we are busy Sundays, I spoke in Sac. after the 5 elders gave their 5 min. talks of Christlike attributes, and Dad taught Priesthood. Dad had 10 exit interviews, and about 8 midterm interviews, and we finally got home, then prepared for a little get-together with the new couple from Bountiful – Pratts. I made tapioca pudding, and Sister Steadman had coldcuts for little paozinhos. (small sandwiches) The new couple is called as an office couple in the Interlagos mission home. They work the same hours as we do – 8 to 5, Good people. They neither one speak Portuguese, and they are having a bit of culture shock – but will make it hopefully.
This outfit Elder Packham bought down in Santa Maria where Dad served. It is a real gaucho outfit. And of course his Mate cup. The pants on this outfit are amazing. Really! And I wish I´d had that coat when we were down there the previous weekend. I thought I´d freeze to death in their chapels.

OK, just one last thought - we love you so much and are so thankful for all the blessings we receive and have received daily. We know Heavenly Father is a loving father, and cares about each of us - all over the world. Serving this mission surely has opened our eyes to this fact. The windows of heaven really are opened when you serve the Lord.