Stake Conference

We had Stake Conference this past weekend and it was truly the event of the year here! There was an activity every night all week long in preparation and it really was sweet to see the way everyone buys a new outfit and prepares in every little way to look and feel their best at Conference. It was so great to hear one of the 70, who is a brazilian, talk about the importance of families. He talked about our responsibility as parents and the most impressionable age is from 3-5 years old. I immediately thought about Maile and thought of ways I can be a better mother to her. I am so grateful for my two little ones. It is so humbling to see the sacrifice the members make here- to be only members in their families, reach out and share the gospel with others, walk from far distances to attend meetings- I have really felt close to my mission remembering how special the members are all around the world and here in Brazil. Lee was called to be a Gospel Doctrine teacher in the ward. I am so happy to see my husband in his element- he will be an awesome teacher! I was called to be Primary President here in our ward. I am still quite shocked and of course intimidated, but I am humbled in times like these and rely more on the Lord as I should always. It was really a special uplifting weekend.

Life in Brazil so far....

Well we are actually here in Brazil. It was harder than I thought to say goodbye to everyone and my heart still aches for my family- but we're here. After a 36 hour traveling period. Um ya- don't ask. I'm just glad that part is over. The first two weeks were super hard but now I'm actually settling in and learning the "brazilian way". Lee has been such an awesome support to me and so patient. Here are some pictures of the view from our apartment, Maile going to school and helping me in the kitchen and with the laundry. (she thinks it's a blast to hang out clothes to dry and do all the dishes by hand!). She's been having fun with the cousins and I've been enjoying being close to Lee's family. My sister-in-law, Liheldna, has been giving me cooking lessons 2x a week. I have learned rice and black beans, ck lasagna, a few yummy desserts and we're going to the fresh market tomorrow and we're going to make a fruit salad with all their yummy tropical fruits. This all has reminded me so much of my mission and the love I have for these people. But also how much I appreciate my own family and the conveniences of living in a 1st world country. I will keep updating. Here are a few likes and dislikes so far...

Likes: the palm trees, guarana zero, how friendly people are especially when you have a baby, the reminder of how lucky I am, the church and remembering my mission, being with Lee's family, tv in English will all the movie channels, our awesome apartment (it's my in-laws) and the view outside, the language, seeing my kids with their cousins, seeing Lee loving work and being with his brothers, getting to know my sister-in-laws better, the yummy banana pizza, the fact I have internet and a local phone number makes communicating so much easier. I love that a manicure and pedicure costs like $6 and that you can have someone clean your house a few times a week for like $40. Boo ya! Being an hour from the beach is a definite plus. For sure the best part is spending lots of quality time with these two adorable kids we have.

Dislikes: milk in a box, no disposal, forro blasting on the streets with other loud sounds all the time, the accent they have here is taking some getting used to "oxente!", where are the health foods? We can't have cake and cheetos for snacks all the time. Actually I love most of their food but it all seems fattening, at least the things I do like. I am struggling with the time here- the way it gets dark at 5pm and the night seems over. The cars are soooo expensive here. And why is everyone staring at me with my double stroller? Doesn't anyone take their kids out for a walk in the early evening? Apparently not. Most of all I just miss being so close to my family and being able to pop over to their house whenever. Oh man.

Ate mais! Beijos.