Hello, everyone!
First off, I would like to apoligize for my lack of English skills as of lately. A combination of no time and speaking a new language has ruined me! I read my last email and felt embarassed...I promise I used to know English grammar really well. :)
This past week Carnaval began! Which means crazy, drunk people in the streets wearing creepy costumes. It is pretty much all evil in the world thrown into three days. There is no one in the streets during the day but at night, the city comes alive! It is pretty awesome to be here during such an exciting and cultural time for Brasil! Luckily we are in our apartment when it gets really crazy at night.
In contrast to the sin that is Carnaval, we had a baptism the night Carnaval began! Haha, love it. We finally had the baptism for Erica this past week. We worked so hard for this baptism with the long process of lessons and service that it was really special for me to see Erica enter the waters of baptism and begin her new journey of life. One hour before the baptism, we had a horrible rain storm and both her house and our apartment was flooding water. So when we walked to her house to get ready for the baptismal service, she opened her door and just said, "Eu não vou." (I will not go.) She was worried about her house with the rain but we helped her and got her to the chapel in time. It was a very humble service but the Spirit was so strong. I will never forget this journey with Erica and I know that her life has already changed because of her decision to follow the example of Jesus Christ.
February is the rainy month for Brasil but we received practically no rain - so, it is all coming now! It really POURS when it rains here. I mean, POURS! We are so blessed because we will get into our apartment right before it starts to down pour. The streets turn to rivers and sometimes our apartment does, too...One night the power went out so we did our planning by candlelight. Always an adventure!
One cool thing that started last week was that I am now dreaming in Portuguese! At first it was just others speaking Portuguese in my dreams but now I am speaking it too and my friends and family from back home. Y'all speak pretty great Portuguese!
Last week we ate fast food here - McDonald's is ridiculously expensive! It was 18 Reis (Brasilian currency - around $9 USD) for one hamburger and nothing else. We don't have fast food places in our city so we usually eat at lanchenttes (burger stands, etc...) that are cheap and way better than fast food!
We have been working really hard which makes the time ZOOM past! Already half way done with this transfer - cannot believe it!
I received my first package this week! Took two and a half months but I got it and love it! I think the time was delayed with the weather in the US and the Christmastime rush.
I hope you all have a wonderful week and see the miracles of God in your lives! I know that He has an immense love for us and knows us personally. If you have any problems or need any help, ask the missionaries! We are here to help and love when people accept our service. :)
I love this work and love seeing people come unto Christ! Missions are hard, but so worth it! I learn and grow so much each day.
Love you all! Let me know if I can help you!
Sister Serre
Erica's baptism with the President of our branch here.
Me and Sister Lucero with the umbrellas I use for sun and now rain! Pretty chic!
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