Hello from Beautiful? downtown Sao Paulo.
I can tell just exactly what time it is by the little wild parrots and dogs that begin their songs at different times of the day. The little parrots are about 6 inches long are bright green and have little bright red beaks and very noisy voices. They get in the big evergreen tree outside our living room window and talk back and forth to each other. It can get very noisy but fun to watch.
It has been another slow week, so we have been recovering from our illnesses and then helped our sweet couple who left on Friday clean out their apartment. It was so sad to see them go. She is the one whose leg had the infection. They flew them home in business class so she could keep her leg up. We truly miss them. Another of the couples we have grown to love at the MTC is also going home on the 2th of April. Vernon and Jerry Christopherson from Orem. He has been the Exec. Secretary to Pres Clark of the MTC. They have been here for 3 years in that capacity. I have learned so much from those wonderful people. They continue to amaze me as do all the couples with their special talents and testimonies. I truly feel inadequate but have been grateful for their acceptance and understanding. They all know so much about this area and so I am gleaning everything I can from them before they go home. 6 more will leave this summer.
Friday we woke up to the horrible news about Japan and immediately worried about the 1st Councelor in MTC son, who is in Japan on his mission. His mother said he called her and was about 30 miles south of Sendai, and really got shook up. Their apartment isn't worth saving now. How horrible. The pictures were just incredible and it brought back Haiti all over again. Our Prayers are with those wonderful people.
Friday I finally went out to shop alone. After being so independent for so many years it has been very different to have Rick do everything with me. While at my fun little dollar store Fifos for a plastic bucket I went to the yarn store next door and met a sweet Brazilian lady who spoke English to me and told me she has a son living in Ogden. When I told her I was born there, we struck up a fun conversation. Her first name is Clyde only pronounced Clay-dee. She lives in the end building of our complex and invited me to come down and visit her, so she can help me with my Portuguese. I was so excited. I have a new friend. I think she is a member because she likes living close to the temple. Will tell more later as I get to know her.
Listened to the BYU game with New Mexico. Wow. Saturday we had lunch with a sweet Japanese Brazilian Doctor who is LDS . She told us of her conversion to the church after she was a doctor and then about her mission she served in the hot desert of Salvador in the northwest of Brazil. She is a Dermatologist here in the city and loves helping out the med. advisors and the missionaries. Couldn't believe how we were tied in with her. She went to do a research project on malaria with a Dr. James Jensen at BYU and took a class from Dr. Wright in the in the Microbiolgy Dept. He was one of my professors when I was at BYU and he is also the Exec. Secretary to our Stake Pres. David Miles. and lives in Pleasant Grove. Small world.
Today as we went into the Mission Leadership Training Meeting at the MTC, President Clark looked at Rick from the front of the room and mouthed the words " are you ready to serve?" And so Rick nodded and that was how he was called to be a counselor in the English Branch Presidency. We are going to get 13 North. American Missionaries this week from the Provo MTC so will watch and see if Elder Welch, Lisa's cousin is with them. So things continue to change and grow. These Elders and Sister missionaries are wonderful and are so polite and treat us with such respect, and are just beautiful. I am so glad to be here and learn to communicate with them and just feel of their spirit.
Well Rick is hungry and is digging in the cupboard so better go before he gets the Nutella and cookies out.
I love you all and pray for you everynight. So be good to each other and be lights of the gospel to all you meet.
Abracos (hugs) e' beijos (kisses)
Sister Sue, Mom and Grandma
Wow. Branch presidency. I remember how great Dad was at that back in the day. Now only better, I'm sure. Lucky Missionaries. Very lucky. Mom, we kind of know how it feels to be in a new place and need to learn everything new. Easier for us I'm sure. Your epistles remind me of being a greenie. Scary and exciting and a bit overwhelming at times. I'm sure in a few months you'll be a pro. We love and miss you guys!
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I am reading this at work....as one of the secretaries approach with a courier run.....I have to grab a tissue and wipe my eyes. How do I explain it? Bad genes? Then.....I'm laughing out loud at the idea of Mom grabbing onto a strange brazilian man....and then making a joke. Do you think I'd be funny in portugese? No on laughs at my jokes here. Seems like these blog posts keep my thoughts aligned with the truth in a world where 'opposing council' wants to do me in. Just read Elder Eyring's talk in worldwide leadership conference. He talks about how the adversary attacks with greater vigilence the members who have callings. Interesting thought. Love you both, Kelli
ReplyDeleteI just got word that you saw Taylor! Oh my gosh, that is so exciting! I know my aunt Robyn and Uncle Rob were so THRILLED to know that you had given him a warm hug and know that he was okay. They only wish he was going to be near you longer than a couple of weeks. Thank you so much for watching for him. If I were far away from home, you are the faces that I would want to see. There is just something about you and dad that makes anyone feel at home. What a blessing. Sure love you!
ReplyDeleteLisa