10-28-13

First my address;

Sister Tess Huntington
R. Sao Sebastiao #1003-centro
Ribeirao Preto- SP
14015-040

NEVER Fedex packages, because of the tax. Use another source for packages. Supposedly letters only take a little over a week, so that's pretty cool. Not sure about your letter description Dad, but no haha I don't think so lol.

Oi! Tudo Bem?

Okay, holy cow I wish my fingers had super speed because I have so much to write and so little time but WOW. How can I even describe what its like? Brazil is awesome and beautiful and I love it already. I have only been here for a week but it feels much longer...except for the fact that I still hardly understand what anyone is saying. So I'm going to go in order what I'm guessing you guys will ask about.

Food: Okay, the food in Brazil is just plain better, no matter how you slice it. Seriously, Oh me oh my. You guys really will have to roll me off the plane. Luckily, we walk ALOT at least. Tortas and pastels and pao de queijo and sorvette and acai and stroganoff. Holy cow. The funny thing is that I've only had beans once! The members feed us everyday and they all want to feed us like there was literally no tomorrow, but I cant even complain because its so delicious- every bite. Also, they eat.....constantly....every moment they are hungry. Everyone is ALWAYS hungry, even at ten at night right before we go to bed....but the people still aren't as fat as Americans, just very comfortably plump haha.

Okay, the language:

Well, I definitely have a lot to learn, but people keep telling me I'm speaking very well for only having a few days here. I don't know though. Its definitely one of the most humbling experiences I've ever had in my life. I am learning that I simply cannot be a perfectionist with myself here, which is not easy for me to accept..but I kind of have no other choice. I am so used to having the ability to express exactly what I mean with words, but here...I'm just grateful if I can get the basic point across. Then, I pray that they don't respond too fast. I just bear testimony of what I know and believe and hope and pray that the Holy Ghost helps them understand. Every time, I walk out wondering how it happened, but people really do understand what I say and I can see their faces soften and their hearts open up. Thank you Holy Ghost! God is literally carrying me along, more now than ever. Of course, Sister A, my comp, is a gift from God as well. She is so patient and helpful and keeps my spirits up when I feel like a total idiot...which happens on a daily basis haha. I can speak, and supposedly I can bear testimony powerfully (yet again, thanks to the Spirit) but when it comes to understanding....mia nossa! I just literally pray that I can catch a few words...then I look to Sister A and she explains what they said. I can understand her accent quite easily, but apparently since we live in a more rural area, the people here have a hick accents. Just imagine someone coming from Brazil and trying to understand some Appalachian investigators. Yeah, its coming with time though.

The people here are amazing and so friendly. I already am in LOVE with Brazil. I'm learning so much and having to rely on others a lot....which also feels really weird for me, but its probably good for me to learn. This gospel is true. I have never felt Gods influence so strong in my life. It can change hearts and improve lives in an instant. I promise God lives and loves each person. I know we all have a marvelous purpose. You are all magnificent! LOVE LOVE LOVE

Sister Huntington

BEIJOS for all!