Week 6

Dear Family and Friends,

So I can't remember what week it is - but I think it is week 7...anyway, tomorrow I head out to the field! Craziness. I cannot believe that my time here at the CTM has come to a close. I am SO excited to leave and get to work, but I will miss the CTM for sure. Never again will I have the opportunity to be constantly surrounded by such goodness and young missionaries preparing to bring the light of Christ to others just as I am. It has been such a fun, trying six weeks full of ups and downs, but I have loved every minute. I will miss all the South American diversity for sure. There are people from all over here and it has been fun learning of other cultures and becoming such good friends. The CTM is a wonderful place.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL THE JANUARY BIRTHDAYS! Love you all!

We had our last days of instruction here and it was hard saying goodbye to my teachers - they are the best! I have learned so much from them and could feel their love for us each time they taught.

Last week we went to a REAL TUCANO'S!!!! It was amazing! I just sat there thinking, "Holy Cow, I am sitting in Brasil at a real Brasilian steak house with real Brasilians speaking Portuguese..." Never in a million years would I have ever thought I would do that! I loved spending that time with my district before we all head out to our respective fields of labor. Pretty cool experience.

Sunday we got to sing a special musical number since we are leaving this week - the Spirit was so strong and it made me realize just how great the CTM is. Going to miss my district! They are all such awesome, powerful missionaries and I am excited to reunite with them in Provo and Tucano's. ;)

Also, Sunday nights we have a testimony meeting for the sisters who are leaving that week so guess whose turn it was! Mine! I got to bear my testimony in just a short 45 seconds in COMPLETE Portuguese in front of all natives. I was a little nervous but when my time came, I just let it go and it came so easily! A woman leaned over to the mission president's wife and asked if I knew Portuuguese before and when she said no, the woman went, "Wow, that is such a miracle!" Pretty cool. I am basically a native now...so....;)

Monday was ten hours straight of PURE Portugueuse orientation - needless to say, I had a headache after the day. But I understood it all so that was good! It's just the talking that worries me most. I know The Lord is on my side so that will help me when I head out TOMORROW!

Feliz Ano Novo! Sao Paulo has been going crazy since yesterday with non stop fireworks! It was so fun to watch from our window last night and celebrate. The whole CTM was going crazy and it has been fun to see everyone wear white and yellow (Brasil traditions). I hope you all have a wonderful new year full of happiness!

I am excited for the year 2014 as it will be completely dedicated to serving our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. I wish you all the best as you press forward! I love you all muito!!! Thanks for all the well wishes!

Tomorrow, I GO TO MY MISSION! Next stop, Piracicaba!

I love you all! Eu amo voces!

Sister Serre