Week 8

Carido Familia e Amigos!

Another week passed here in sunny and warm Cordeirópolis, Brasil! I am loving it and learn so much each day - about Portuguese, about the Brazilian culture, and about our Savior's love for each one of us individually. I love when I get a little glimpse of this love as we teach an investigator or visit with a member. Each day we see pretty sad stuff, but I know this Gospel can change lives for the better and bring so much joy. It is what brings me my greatest joy!

A highlight of this week was hitting a fresh Mango out of a tree with my bag. It was delicious and I feel like an official Brasilera. My companion just laughed and laughed. :) We are always eating fresh fruits out of trees as we walk. It is quite the tropical life here!

Another highlight was Wednesday (Quarta-Ferreira) night when President Canuto (my mission president) made a surprise visit to deliver a box for our apartment. While he was there, I made him an American delicacy that my companion LOVES - PB&J . ;) He loved it and it was a fun way to get to know him and his wife a little better. They are so great and I can truly see the Gift of Tongue when I speak with him. Whenever I am with him in an interview, I can always express myself perfectly - something I normally struggle with. Truly a blessing!

I spoke in church yesterday about the Word of Wisdom for about five minutes in front of a congregation of native Portuguese speakers. People said they could understand me so that is a major plus! Haha, I am sure that I have a STRONG accent but each day I improve. The fact that I have been here for two weeks and already spoke in church is pretty amazing - The Lord truly does help His missionaries!

The members here are awesome and always give us goodies. They love giving us ice cream or bananas - it is so funny!

This week we met a man who when my companion told him that I am from the USA, he simply looked at me and said, "Fala Brasil." (Say Brasil). So I said, "Brasil." My companion thought it was so funny because I guess I rolled my eyes or something, haha. Anyway, people here are so hilarious - they love to just hear me talk and say funny, long words. It is always an adventure.

BRENNEN - this week we saw this crazy, foreign animal we have seen in a zoo just chilling at a park! I cannot remember the name in English but in Portuguese it is an "Anta." Look it up! I thought of you and will take a picture if I see it again. :) Oh, Brasil.

I am rocking an awesome shoe tan and neck tan now. Missionary life at its finest! I love everday and am so happy to be here in the service of our Lord. I am so blessed to be serving in such a beautiful place with wonderful people! My companion is awesome and we are working hard. We have many potentials and progressing investigators. The work is hard but so worth it.

I pray for each of you every night and hope that all is going well! Stay warm - I hear how cold it is everyday. EVERYDAY. That is the first thing people say when they hear I am from the US, haha.

Attached are some pictures of my apartment and mission life! MY apartment, my view.

I love you all! Thanks for being my support system!
Sister Serre