6/14

Oiy Familia! So I tried to get pictures e-mailed today and it really did not work. Sorry! Ill figure it out sometime. And we´re having serious troubles with the internet here today. But that’s okay that’s what you get when you go to a cheap internet house. So this week was awesome, we had another baptism. And I really wish I get you pictures of all these people! But that’s okay. His name is Jefferson, he is 12 years old. You’ve probably noticed we have had a lot of young men getting baptized. That’s because weve got this awesome little group of missionaries here, these young men who bring all their friends to seminary and church and other activities. Jefferson is one of these. He is little and the cutest kid in the world! One day, we were at an activity, and we were standing around talking to people, and the young men were all goofing around (half of them people We´ve baptized these past few weeks) When Jefferson ran up, faster than I knew what was happening, put his arms around me and kissed me on the cheek. Everyone started laughing and freaking out, `You can´t do that! Shes a missionary!´ Haha! It was hilarious! But the best part was when I was on splits with a member, we went to pick him up and bring him to the church, when we were walking, the member asked him what one thing the sisters taught him that he didn’t know before, he responded ´That I can´t kiss Sister Pratt.´Haha! Then I had to explain what happened in my broken Portuguese. Oh man…Just to clarify, everyone here greets you with a hug and kiss. He just didn’t realize we weren’t allowed to with him. But we all got a good laugh out of it anyways. In other news, this week actually isn’t transfers, its next week, there was a bit of a mix-up. Im not sure what will happen, but I know I wont be staying in a trio. (Thank goodness, I LOVE my companions, but a trio is really hard, regardless of the people in it). My Portuguese is coming along, really it isn’t the speaking that is difficult, it’s the understanding. I still don’t really understand what it going on, but Im told it gets better, so we just keep going. Good news is next week, with transfers, hopefully I´ll receive some of those letters that have been sent. To those of you who have sent, thank you so much! Sorry I haven’t gotten them yet. Other good news! This area, Simoes Filho is growing! We have 2 wards here, and our area is really huge. But they are starting a study group in one area. It only took me 2 weeks to understand what this meant, a study group is the beginning of a new branch. Once the study group gets one sealed family and 9 priesthood holders, it’s a branch! Then it´ll grow into a ward, and the ultimate goal is to have an entire stake here in Simoes Filho. 7 more stakes in Bahia, and we get a Temple! And when that day comes, I will cry with joy and hopefully be able to come back for the open house or dedication. Some days it feels like our tiny daily efforts are doing nothing, but then we look at the big picture, and see how all the little pieces fit together to create a big miracle.
I´m sorry this is really short, but with all the computer troubles today, I don’t have much time. Plus nothing really crazy eventful happened, except our awesome baptism which included chocolate cake. Other than that, Im just in a foreign country, learning another language teaching people about Jesus. Ya know…everyday stuff J I love you all a lot! And thank you for everything! Have an amazing week!
Sister Pratt