5 months!

Bom dia, todo mundo!

Yesterday was a holiday here so all the internet cafés were closed.

This week the rain has hit! It is raining now as I type this - I am excited for things to cool down! I actually used a rain jacket last week and did not die of heat exhaust. A major change in weather. The natives are preparing to brace the cold by using gloves and hats. No joke. 75 degrees and the winter coats come out.

Sunday was a wonderful day! Easter and I hit 5 months in the mission! To celebrate, I gave a 10 minute talk in church. It was nice to finally feel comfortable enough to speak without notes and just talk like normal. Afterwards, I was excited to learn that people not only understood but learned! Many members kept referencing my talk during other lessons and comments. Pretty great feeling to speak in front of a large crowd of people in a foreign language and have them learn with you!

Easter here is a holiday but not really that different than other days. Brasilians barbeque and party - just like all holidays. We did get some little Easter eggs from the ward, but other than that, it was a pretty normal day of missionary work. I felt a difference in the day as I have been studying The Atonement of Jesus Christ and felt so blessed to be able to have a day especially to think about the great sacrifice He made for us. I felt a sense of reuninal and happiness. I know that He lives! I want to treat everyday like Easter to remember the life and purpose of our Savior.

Brasil moment : saw two Toucans flying in the air all natural the other day. That was pretty sweet.

We went to Burger King the other day as a Zone and man, it is pricy! R$20 for one burger. I wanted to cry with my slim missionary budget. Brasil is SO expensive! Everything costs so much more than in the States. Floss costs R$15 (around $8 US). Floss. So many price differences.

Also as a zone, we had an activity this past week where we taught members how to increase with missionary work. We did a skit that really made me think about my purpose as a missionaray. In the skit, all the missionaries received "a call" during the pre-earthly life. All were called to live in the Gospel but one Elder received a call that he wouldn't be born in the Gospel. Another Elder received his "call" to serve a mission in the same area where the Elder without the Gospel was born. In the pre-earth life, they made a promise to find each other in this life and the Elder with the Gospel would share the Gospel with the Elder without. It made me realize that there are people here waiting specifically for me - I have already promised to find them and help them. It gave me more direction and excitement to keep working hard and find my friends from the pre-mortal. I know this really is the work of salvation and feel so blessed to be a part of it!

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter and can continue that Spirit as you move throughout this week! Miss and love you all!

Sister Serre