Rio Iguacu- Week Ten

This past Monday, the Brazil Curitiba South Mission had the opportunity to perform in the " Ele é o Presente" Christmas show. It was a show that the church with members of the community coordinated to start the Christmas season. There was lighting, dancing, singing, acting, and missionarying. We spent our whole Monday at a huge college theater where the show took place. Thew show was about how Jesus Christ is the focus and the true Christmas purpose.  Our part of the show was to come in at the end and sing "Um por Um" by President Bednar. It was an incredible experience and a great opportunity for non-members to have exposure to the Church. 

This past week was really hot. I have been missing the Virginia Fall weather. I have had to be more mindful to drink water, wearing sun scream, (and eat ice cream.) 

We have a fantastic week for the work. It is truly incredible to see the changes that the Gospel can have in the lives of the people. The Gospel is a gospel of changes. Every day of our whole life is an opportunity to improve and be more like Jesus Christ. The change does not have to been fast or big but is slow and small. Often times, we rarely see the change in ourselves, but Heavenly Father knows and those around us know. This week was a week for me not to be discouraged that I am not improving as fast as I want to be. I had to remember to have faith a continue to be steadfast. 

This past Saturday, Mighty M was baptized. He is 9 years old and his older sister was baptized the week before. He is a funny and energetic young man. He loves neck ties and when we brought him to church. He asked every Brother(gentlemen) for a tie. The members were so kind and he left with a hand full of ties.

We did not forget to have a little bit of fun this week. Pictures include the birthday party of J, who was baptized this past month and a photo shot we had with a panda graffiti. It was a great time.    

Q & A...

1. Have you had a chance to use your piano skills since you have been on your mission?

My first day in the field, one of the assistants asked around who plays piano. I said I did so every zone conference I have been to I play for the missionaries. We have a great pianist in our ward so I do not play for sacrement meeting. 

Sometimes I play for family home evenings in the houses of members that have keyboards. Pianos are not as wide spread as they are in the United States. 

2. How is your Portuguese coming along?  Do you feel amazed that you’re speaking another language?

Everyone says my Portuguese is pretty good. I have fewer and fewer "what the heck are they saying" moments now. I can talk and say bascially everything I want to say. I have developed my style of talking. It is way amazing that I am speaking another language. I never thought I really would, but here I am. It is starting to feel really normal and natural now after three months.

3. What is the weather like for you?

Summer is starting here. I miss the cool fall days. It is hot and rainy.

4. How is your ward?  Are you working well with the ward mission leader?

The ward is really great. It is small, but mighty. We get along really well with the ward mission leader. We often visit his family on P-day and eat snacks there. 

5. How was your Zone Conference on Nov 22?

Zone conference was short and sweet. There was not much that needed to be address and we will be having another conference on the 14 for Christmas. President Cuvelier is a really great president. 

6.  Did you participate in the Mission Singing thing I heard about from some of the other moms on Facebook? What was the occasion?

I did participate. It was a Christmas Spectacular. It was a way big event that the missionarios of the Curitiba and Curitiba South Mission particpated in. It was a Christmas show to start the Christmas session. It was at a huge college sized theater and thousands of people were there to see it. Way cool.