get cultured . frevo

Links in red (click for info)

No letter from Megan yet this week. I think her regular Pday which is normally on a Monday gets moved to later in the week every 6 weeks to accommodate transfers (new missionaries coming into the mission and some of the current missionaries being moved to new areas in the mission) While we wait on Meg's letter I thought I'd share some cultural information about the Nordeste, the Northeast area of Brazil where Megan is serving.

Megan loves to dance. Put some music on and she can't help but start moving. I hope she'll get a chance to see the FREVO being performed. And if she does I'm keeping my fingers crossed she doesn't break from her missionary demeanor and join in haha.

From Wikipedia...

The word frevo is said to come from frever, a misspeaking of the Portuguese word ferver (to boil). It is said that the sound of the frevo will make listeners and dancers feel as if they are boiling on the ground. The word frevo is used for both the frevo music and the frevo dance.

The frevo music came first. By the end of the 19th century, bands from the Brazilian Army regiments based in the city of Recife started a tradition of parading during the Carnival. Since the Carnival is originally linked to Catholicism, they played religious procession marches and martial music, as well. A couple of regiments had famous bands which attracted lots of followers and it was just a matter of time to people start to compare one to another and cheer for their favorite bands. The two most famous bands were the Espanha (meaning Spain), whose conductor was of Spanish origin, and the 14, from the 14th regiment. The bands started to compete with each other and also started playing faster and faster, louder and louder.

Some tough men used to go ahead of the band, opening space to its parade by bullying people on the streets and threatening them with capoeira (Afro-Brazilian martial art and dancing) and knives. Eventually, when the bands met each other in the streets, fights between the capoeiristas were inevitable. These fights normally ended up with many wounded and even dead.

In order to end the violence, the police started to pursue the capoeiras and arrested many during their exhibitions. The latter reacted in a clever way by carrying umbrellas instead of knives and also disguising the capoeira movements as dance movements. The frevo dance was born.

In the same spirit of competition that created it, Frevo dance was developed by transforming the capoeira movements into the quasi-acrobatical movements of the dance. Each dancer worked hard in order to develop a new movement which required much rehearsal, strength, endurance and flexibility and the fight between the groups moved from the physical to the aesthetical field. Frevo dance movements include jumps, coordinated fast leg movements, leg flexions, tumbling etc.

Frevo dance is now known as passo and Frevo dancers as passistas. The clothes of the passistas also developed from regular clothing to a skimpy attire that is more appropriate for the movements. They are also very colorful, so they can be more visible in the crowd.

The umbrella also developed from regular black umbrellas with wooden handles to a small and also colorful umbrella. Umbrella movements are part of the dance and doing acrobatics with them is a common practice. It's not uncommon to see passistas throwing umbrellas in the air, do some movement, and catch them again. They also pass the umbrellas between their legs. The most common movement is just swinging the umbrella and passing it from hand to hand while executing regular movements.

And should you want to learn a few Frevo steps to impress Megan with when she gets home the BBC has got you covered just click here.

week 10 . FIRST BAPTISM! (So excited I don't think I can think of a pun, so you know I'm really excited)

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TANIELISON WAS BAPTIZED THIS WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Best. Day. Ever. Truly, it was perfect. Sister Garcia and I had been a little worried because a lot of people had been saying some really nasty stuff about the church to him in the week leading up to his baptism. But he always came to us and asked so he could know what was lies, thank goodness. But the day of his baptism came and he was so excited! And his dad came to the baptism and was thrilled for him which was really cool since his dad isn't a member. The spirit was so powerful and Tanielison was so so happy afterward and I was so happy and Heavenly Father was so happy and everyone was so happy! hahaha. But truly it was amazing to watch this 14 year old boy be so excited to make a covenant with God and to be cleansed from any mistakes he'd made. This is why I'm here. This gospel has brought me more joy than anything else and watching somebody else accept it... the feeling is indescribable. So so so grateful to be here, and so grateful for Tanielison. 

It was funny because after the baptism, Bishop shared a message and it was all about baptism directed right at Tanielison's dad. Haha and then after the Bishop gave Sis Garcia and I a little thumbs to the side (which is a thing the missionaries all do for baptism). But his dad genuinely was so happy that he almost hugged Sister Garcia and I hahahaha. We panicked. But he ended up just putting his hands on our shoulders (which was still awkward ha). But he said that he's lost two children to the "world" (drugs, prison, etc.) and that he's so grateful for the path that Tanielison chose! Awesome huh? But this church really is an inspired lifestyle! In the world, but not of it! 

I'll send pictures later today because we are going to Tammy's for Pday. I'll include pics of the baptism! Tanielson is practically crying in one picture. Oh my little missionary heart. I die.

We have another investigator who loves to talk. The other day we tried to teach him a lesson and he stopped us so many times that it took us 2 HOURS to teach! 2 hours. Normally lessons are 45 minutes at the longest. And he kept asking the most random questions in the world haha: Was Peter the first pope? Do you believe in destiny? Reincarnation? What color were Jesus' eyes? Why aren't we all rich? etc. etc. etc. It was really frustrating but also hilarious. I think Sister Garcia just about strangled him haha. But he's really awesome and genuinely wants to learn more! He believes it's true, he just is scared to take the next step and be baptized. But he's ready! And also during that lesson with him I saw a MIRACLE. I was able to understand everything he said! I was able to respond to a bunch of questions! (which would have been tough in english, and was harder in portuguese haha). I know I made a trillion mistakes when I was talking, but the important thing was that I was able to understand and respond. The gift of tongues people! It's real. That was not me doing all of that, because I still can't understand a lot of what people say. God is watching out for me and helping me to share this gospel!!!

Random thoughts from the week ::

+ Everyone here LOVES the Voice, they talk about it all the time and a member was watching it when we went over for lunch and Dad, I think of you every time someone mentions it. 

+ It does not feel like October here. It's getting hotter and hotter and I'm going to die. But sometimes there's a little breeze and I smell the "presents" that all the random horses and cows leave in the street and I close my eyes and pretend I'm at the pumpkin patch and it's just like home ;) hahaha

+ I have been told that I look like a five year old probably 100 times. I'm either a child or a barbie to the people here. haha I didn't think I looked that young but alright! And I wore the dress I wore to my farewell to conference and now Tammy's daughter only calls me "Doritch" aka Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz hahaha. 

+ another miracle. it RAINED in Mossoro and the sisters and I walked home through it and were completely drenched and it was a dream come true. 

Scripture for the week ::

Ether 1. The brother of Jared! What really hit me this time when I was reading it was that he didn't just pray once and Heavenly Father gave him all the answers. He asked for specific blessings and God gave them to him, but he asked a bunch of times. Heavenly Father is prepared to bless us with so much (spiritually, materially, mentally), but we have to ask Him! 

Also whenever I feel bummed because I'm away from my family and friends for a year and a half I just remember that literally everybody that Moroni knew was killed and he lived for like 60 years alone. I can do a year and a half haha. 

Com amor 

Sister Baker

The streets or paralelepípedos in her area that she talks about in this letter

[mom note: It's been rather hard getting Megan to answer questions we send or to get her thoughts or responses on things we share in our letters to her. I think she may finally be finding a groove with letter writing and we got a few answers and responses to our letters this week]

Sister Garcia is fine, just some pain in her ankle. She might go to the doctor this week but it's not serious [mom note: I asked about her companions foot/ankle because I noticed it was wrapped in a few pictures]

Of course Hailey is engaged! I knew it. [mom note: girlfriend from BYU, Congratulations Hailey!]

We have a washing machine but hang our clothes to dry

Haven't gotten any MissionTies pictures yet. I got some letters from you guys (up until the Halloween cards which were so cute!) and I think one or two other MissionTies letters. We get mail whenever someone comes from Natal, so 2 weeks mais or menos (more or less) I think.

I don't think I'll see Meet the Mormons but it sounds awesome. Let's go to dinner and watch it when I get home and do karaoke, sound good? And until then keep being the awesome person that you are and read the Book of Mormon and pray and share. Think about how the church has made you happier! It's the greatest blessing we have. [mom note: her response to her brother Luke's letter]

[mom note: we got some PICTURES(!!) from Megan on Wednesday. They are posted here]

three cheers for wifi cameras

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It's always a good day when emails show up and say "From: camera@samsung.com" Today we got pictures from Megan's camera as well as a few from Tammy, a member in her area, via Facebook. 

It seems from the first few pictures that her feet, ankles and legs have taken a bit of a beating. She talks briefly about it in this letter. I'm sure by now the swelling has gone down. The bug bites however may be a continual problem...she's always the one getting bitten on camping trips and outdoor adventures. And we'll excuse the serious need for a pedicure since she's losing herself in service haha

Any pain in her feet must not have lasted long since this looks like a Pday excursion to try on shoes. (No explanation from her for any of these pictures so I'm guessing) Missionary or not...girls will be girls. I love that she is enjoying trying on shoes that I'm pretty sure she wouldn't have any interest in at home

Megan and Sister Garcia

Sister Garcia and Sister Cieslak

Sister Garcia, Megan and Tammy's daughter

Megan and Sister Garcia. I love that Megan is wearing her Stately Type t-shrt. I'm a huge fan of David Lesue's work. This Brazil tee is the perfect Pday shirt. 

Tammy and Megan

Megan and Sister Garcia

Sister Baker and Sister Baker (there will be another Sister Baker joining them in the mission in about a month)

Megan and Sister Porter. Megan and Sister Porter connected via Instagram when they both posted about their mission calls to Natal. Although they had talked before the mission they had never met until this (which I think is at a Zone Conference) 

Sister Garcia, Sister Olla, Sister Cieslak and Megan. I believe that Megan and Sister Garcia share an apartment with Sister Olla and Sister Cieslak. Sister Garcia and Sister Cieslak are Brazilian and Sister Olla is from El Salvador,  I think, but has lived in the US so she speaks Spanish, English and Portuguese

So curious to know what is going on in this picture

We are grateful for Megan's sweet trainer, Sister Garcia

week 9 . General TOM(Monson)ference

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So I'm just DYING of happiness because General Conference was PERFECT.

Seriously, I've never been so grateful for a General Conference weekend in my life. I really realize now how very very blessed we are to know that there is a living prophet of God on the earth. And I couldn't help but think how worldwide this church truly is. The members of the seventy speaking in their native languages (portuguese holla!) and the fact that I was sitting in a little room in a church building in Brazil hearing the same things as members of the church around the world really hit me. This gospel is spreading like wildfire and I'm so grateful that I get to be a part of that growth here in Brazil. And wow did everyone talk about prophets??? All the missionaries were saying that it sounded like President Monson was going to pass away soon because of what all the speakers were saying (here's how we get a new prophet, thanks to Pres. Monson for his service, etc) And I was thinking the whole time of this dream that I had last week... I was in the celestial room of the temple and I saw President Monson and he gave me a hug and it was perfect. But then he said that he was sick and didn't have much time left on this earth. What. So during conference that was just going through my mind the entire time. 

But really I just want to watch conference again and again and again. I could talk for ages about each and every speaker, but I'm assuming you all watched it so you don't need a play by play from me. If you didn't watch it, GO WATCH IT. [mom note: not all talks are available yet, it takes about a week to get them all posted. The GO WATCH IT link will direct you where to watch or read the talks as they become available. Be sure to check back during the week for updates if your're interested] There is no better way to feel the love of our Heavenly Father than by listening to His words through the mouths of his servants. 

This week we also had a big Zone Conference in Caico. So we woke up at 2:30 am to get on a bus and go there for the day. Well my body wasn't liking that too much. We got into a member's car (Tammy!) [mom note: Tammy is the sweet member who often posts pictures of Megan on Facebook. We love her for that.] so she could take us to the church to meet the Elders and get on the bus, and right before she started driving, I open the door and. . . throw up all over the ground. #minhavida So gross haha. But after that I ate some food and got some sleep on the bus and everything was totally fine. (so don't worry momma I'm not sick!) But the conference was all about the Book of Mormon and I loved it!!!! This book is vital in our work, because people can choose not to believe every word that I say, but if they read the Book of Mormon, sincerely desiring to know if it's true the spirit will testify to them. 

Mom, if you could send me a couple basic recipes: cookies, and maybe a couple meal type recipes too that would be great. Sister Garcia and Sister Cieslak (the sister with the short hair in the pic I sent) both cook all the time, and Sister Olla (the other sister in that picture) and I never know what to do because they have different things at the grocery stores here so it's harder to improvise. One example of different food. . . at a member's house the other day they pour some pink stuff into my cup. At first I thought it was like strawberry milk, because people love that here. And I thought of Dad's love for strawberry/banana milk haha. But then I took a sip and realized it was actually exactly like drinking gogurt. Exactly. haha. 

Nate, I'm so PROUD of you for all the family history work you're doing! I was thinking of you during that entire general conference talk about family history work. I have a little homework assignment for you (and the rest of the fam). If you guys could track down the conversion stories of our ancestors and send them to me, that would be amazing! I want to be able to explain to people here how my family found this gospel that has changed all of our lives! How one person can change the lives of generations to come. 

Tanielieson wasn't baptized on Sunday. . . BUT it's okay because he's going to be baptized on quarta feira (which I think is Wednesday haha, I've lost track of how the days of the week translate). He went to the last session of General Conference which was great! (THANK YOU Elder Bednar!!!!) [mom note: she is thanking Elder Bednar for his talk that was given specifically to those who aren't members of our church] This kid is seriously awesome, and I truly believe that he is going to be an amazing, firm member of the church. So excited for him!! 

I am truly loving the work here! What I don't love is when people don't progress, when they listen to their neighbors or their friends rather than the truth from God. But when people really get what we're saying, when I watch them change through the power of this message and the spirit. . . there's nothing better!

My biggest hardship right now is still the language. I hate that I can't communicate with people, because I have a testimony of this gospel and I just want to share it! And it's not just the language, the culture here is really different, and I don't understand it quite yet. Sister Garcia can talk to people about things that are common to Brazil or the Nordeste, but I just say things like "We're missionaries. Do you want to go to church?" hahaha. It's kind of like when you go to a friends house to eat dinner and you want to help clean up but you have no idea where the plates, forks, cups go in the kitchen. Or even where the sponge is to wash them. And then you can't ask your friend where everything goes because they speak portuguese hahaha. 

But despite the little frustrations, being here is the biggest blessing of my life. I have learned more about the scriptures, the Gospel, and my Savior Jesus Christ in my short time here than ever before. I LOVE the Book of Mormon with my whole heart. I just finished Alma this week, and I am constantly inspired by the examples of the heroes of the Book of Mormon. Alma 48. Captain Moroni. I die. I want to be a person with perfect understanding whose heart swells with thanksgiving to God! A person firm in the faith of Christ! So grateful for the examples we have in the Book of Mormon. Also when I was reading the story of the 2000 stripling warriors this week I was crying crying crying, they are perfect examples of faith despite serious adversity. 

I KNOW that this church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is the true church of Jesus Christ on the earth. It is not led by men, it is led by Christ through men. We have the fullness of the gospel of Christ, and I am immensely grateful for that. Thomas S. Monson is a PROPHET of God. He was called of God. And he called me to serve a mission here in Brazil. This gospel is perfect. I thank my Heavenly Father daily that I have a testimony of this gospel and that I was raised by "goodly parents" who taught me the importance of the things that I am teaching the people here. Mom, Dad, you are the best examples of disciples of Christ that I know. I am so grateful for you, for the things you did everyday to not only tell me but to show me how to live a life dedicated to the service of our Lord Jesus Christ. Like the stripling warriors, like Enos, like Nephi, I learned about this church first and foremost from my parents. I want to teach people here about the joy of this gospel so they can share it with their families. I love this gospel and I love my family. I love that through this gospel I can be with my family for ETERNITY. (so you guys better get ready for lots of puns).

Tchau!

Sister Baker

Sister Olla, Megan, Sister Garcia and Sister Cieslak 

week 7 . no catchy title

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Another week in Brazil! It is crazy how fast this last week flew by! The days feel long sometimes when it’s around 2 and we're traipsing around in the bajillion degree heat, but I'm almost always surprised by how quickly the hours and days pass. I've got to take advantage of every moment!

So much more happens during the week now that I'm out in the field so I tried to make a list of things I wanted to write you guys about, I know I forgot some things, but I'll do my best to touch on everything.

animals :: I’ve already had a few "I’m not in Kansas (the US) anymore" moments here in Brazil. One of those being seeing just the most random animals wandering through the roads. The other day I saw like 7 cats, 2 dogs, a goat, and a horse just chilling. And I saw 3 donkeys wandering around too! Sister Garcia says it's normal! But I do love that literally the entire area is just covered in cats. It's aMEOWzing!

marquinos :: So you know Albert from 17 miracles? (aka superb!) Well we have an investigator who is like him, He's this little guy and he has the same high little voice as Albert. But he speaks Portuguese so I can never understand him. The first time we taught him the spirit was SO powerful. He just really needs to understand that he is a son of God! He has a lot of confidence issues, and I think he feels pretty unloved since his mom passed away. And he almost got baptized but the last time we went over there he just told us that he doesn't want to go to church, he doesn't want to be baptized. . . heartbreaking. Because he KNOWS it's true. He definitely knows. But he's too afraid to follow through and that just killed me. That moment was harder than not understanding the language, than walking all day in the heat, than everything. To watch someone who knows this is true reject it. . . I hated that. But we're hoping that with some time (and hopefully prayer) he will realize what he needs to do and we can keep teaching him. 

americana:: People, I'm like a superstar here! I've been asked to speak English a billion times, and people call me a Barbie every other day haha. A member even thinks that I'm blonde. What? haha. And there was this 12 year old boy, Thiago, who just loved me. Like wanted to hug me, and kept calling me "querida" (dear) and touching my arm and asking me how many states are in the US? Have I ever met an actor? Am I a model or an actress? Have I ever been to Hollywood? etc. hahahha 

food :: Mostly pretty good! Lot's of rice and beans though! Good thing I like that though. Oh but at one lunch there was a dead fly mixed into my food. I casually picked it out with my fork, moved it to the side of the plate, and kept eating. Brazil! And I LOVE THE AÇAI HERE. Love love love it. I ate literally a half liter of it the other day. Love. [mom note: I'm sure this is a relief to her since she loves a good Bowl of Heaven Seasisder.] Also we're being fed sooo much. We have a "painha" (like a dad) and an "avo" (grandma) who feed us all the time. And painha reminds me of Uncle Jeff haha. Also there is a boy in our ward who literally looks like a Brazillian version of Luke. Glasses and all. I cry every time I see him haha. 

transportation :: There are basically no rules when it comes to driving here, or if there are nobody obeys them. So cars and motos are all over the place. And the other day when we were going to centro (like downtown) for a zone meeting instead of taking a bus there's people who just pick people up for 2 reais [mom note: 84 cents] And I'm fairly certain they're not taxis haha. Just random people. But we have to make sure there are other women in the car before we get in, and it's normal here, so don't worry mom we're being safe! 

feet :: My feet have never been so swollen, dirty, tired, and blistered in my life. I also have about 100 bug bites, I'm a mess. So washing my feet in the cold shower at the end of the day is the best feeling in the world. As I was washing them the other day, I couldn't help but think of when the Savior washed the feet of the apostles.[mom note: John 13] These were men who walked all day in sandals through the dirt and dust. Men who were doing essentially what I am doing every day, only they had been doing that for a lot longer than the few days I have spent here. I cannot imagine what it must've been like for them to have Jesus Christ, the creator of the world, the Savior, the Son of God, wash their weary feet. What a pure act of love and service. I feel like here in the mission field, I am developing so much more love for my Savior than I thought I ever could. He truly is the perfect example for us. In Jesus the Christ it talks about how Christ didn't know that he was the Messiah from the moment he was born, he learned and grew like any other child. He just had more capacity, and more of the spirit. He wasn't perfect because he couldn't be tempted, he was perfect because he was tempted and chose the right. When Christ tells us to be "even as [he] is" it is something that is attainable (with the help of God) because we can follow his example of service and work and worship to develop Christlike attributes in the same exact way He developed them.

scriptures :: Mosiah 2-5. . .KING BENJAMIN'S ADDRESS. It's basically one of Holland or Uchtdorf's General Conference talks, aka the best. King B ("im the King B come get it, no trippin, I got everything you need") [mom note: reference to a song from a commercial]  is an amazing man. he is so hard working and loving and service oriented and I'm just obsessed with these chapters right now. Also speaking of Holland talks: his talk, "I Believe" is very very very very good.

I have to go right now, the place is closing, but I LOVE YOU GUYS AND I LOVE MY MISSION. Truly I love it here.

Sister Baker

No pictures from Megan this week but we did see this one on Facebook. Thank you to the sweet church member that posted this picture of Megan's very first day in her area.

week 6 . There's MORE SOL in MOSSORO (you dont pronounce the L in sol so that actually works as a pun okay?)

[mom note: the post titles are all Meg. I am not the one grasping at straws to make a pun. All her.)

Links in red (click for more info)

Well it's official! I'm in the CAMPO! (mom note: field)

Wow. I have so so so much that I could write about this week, but I'm short on time (and a bunch of people sent me emails that I needed this week so I was reading those which took up time. But thank you thank you to each and every one of you who emailed me. If I didn't reply it's just because I'm so short on time today, not because I didn't love your email. Because I did.).

So yesterday I said bye to my sweet sweet CTM Sisters (and cried a ton) and got on a bus with all Elders. I was literally the one and only sister going to Natal haha. I slept through the entireeee flight. Like before the plane even started moving until we had landed. So exhausted. Then we got to the airport and met up with Pres and Sis Soares and the APs and they were all SO nice. Took a bus to the mission escritorio (mom note: office) and a chapel and met up with all the missionaries who would be our trainers. The Elders didn't find out until later who would train them, but it was fairly obvious for me since I was the only sister haha. My mãe (mom//trainer) is Sister Garcia. She is the absolute sweetest person I've ever met. And she's hilarious. Thank goodness. She keeps calling me her filha (mom note: child/daughter) and taking wonderful care of me.

I genuinely feel like a baby here though. I have no idea what's going on or what anyone's saying so I just smile and laugh a lot (which is definitely why babies always laugh, they just don't know what's going on). This is also the reason why I think babies cry a lot. It's definitely pretty frustrating not being able to talk to people or only understand them half the time. The language barrier is killing me right now. But I know that as I work hard and exercise a lot of faith, that will pass and I will be able to speak Portuguese. Heavenly Father has promised me that in my mission call. So I will preach the gospel in the portuguese language. It's just going to take an adjustment period. 

Yesterday Pres Soares welcomed us to "O Melhor Missão do Mundo!" He said, I know everyone says their mission is the best, but ours actually is. Apparently our mission is #3 for number of baptisms in Brazil!!!! What?! And even better, it is #1 in retention! Go Brazil Natal! Am I right?? We did contacting yesterday on the street and the people are so open here! They are so willing to talk about God and Jesus Christ and genuinely want to follow his example. We invited people to be baptized while we were contacting yesterday. Like, Hey how's it going? Will you be baptized? Okay slightly more in depth than that, but that's the basic idea. And we had six people who were interested! We set them up with the missionaries in that area to take things further! Crazy crazy crazy! 

Last night we slept in the casa (mom note: house) by the escritorio (mom note: office) with the sisters in that area. And I met the other Sister Baker! Haha. She's way cool. But since there's already one Sister Baker, that means that I'm going to be "Sister M Baker" which in Brazil sounds like Sister Emmy Baker so I feel like I stole Pie's name haha. [mom note: there is actually a third Sister Baker going to her mission that just entered the CTM today...that won't be confusing haha] But the sisters were all so nice and understanding that I was tired and shellshocked but they all talked to me and were so sweet and I'm already so grateful for every sister here in this mission. 

Today has been more traveling! Sister Garcia and I are in Mossoro. Which apparently has great great ward members, tons of baptisms, and is one of the hottest places in the mission. Haha, of course. Like Natal itself was actually really nice and breezy, but here it's hot hot hot and the sun is apparently stronger than in other parts. Holla. Haha. [mom note: when I saw where she was living I checked yahoo weather. It said it was 92 degrees with 48% humidity and a real feel of 106 degrees. Keep in mind its the tail end of winter for them. I guarantee she will be missing her beloved Provo winter weather] But other than the heat this seems like the best area that I could start my mission in and I'm SO excited to just get to work! Also in my area are three out of the four elders from my CTM district. Elders Fallon, Collier, and Phillips are all in my area and I think a couple or all of them are living in the same house as each other. I definitely thought we'd all be split up, but I'm way excited that I'll see them around still. Poor Elder Giles is all by himself in Sousa, but we'll see him later this month probably, and he's working harder than anyone at the language so I know he'll be fine. 

I know this email is lacking my usual charm and embarrassing stories, but there was just too much that happened in the last couple days to even go into my whole week! And if this email doesn't make any sense, cut me some slack haha. I've only heard portuguese for the past few days so my english might be off. 

I miss you guys more than I can explain. This is HARD. Probably the hardest thing I've ever done. And it's only the second day in the field. But this work is worth it. I do not doubt that for one second. 

I love you so much!!!!

Sister Baker

PS // I asked Pres and Sis Soares about Davis and President Soares said "I love that guy!" haha. Way cool connection! (mom note: Davis is Megan's cousin. He and his family lived in Brazil for a few years. If I remember correctly Davis served in the stake with President Soares and was also the Soares' home teacher)

[mom note: none of these pictures came with an explanation so I'm guessing on what or who some of them are]

View from the CTM in Sao Paulo

Comic book version of the scriptures...looks like a Megan doodle job but I can't be sure

CTM teachers

CTM Mission President and wife...President and Sister Swenson

Sao Paulo Temple

Megan's district at the Sao Paulo Temple...Sister Clinger, Sister Hatton, Sister Hartvigsen, Sister Johnson, Elder Fallon, Elder Giles, Elder Phillips and Elder Collier

Megan and Sister Clinger at the Sao Paulo Temple

Sister Clinger, Sister Hatton, Megan, Sister Hartvigsen and Sister Johnson at the Campinas Temple

All the missionaries in the CTM going to the Natal mission...one of these things is not like the others

All the Natal missionaries once they arrived at the Mission Home. 

Megan with her companion Sister Garcia and her mission president and wife...President and Sister Soares

Megan and Sister Garcia