My Magical Brazilian Adventure

Well, it's taken a while for me to actually sit down and get this post done. (I can't believe how many hours it has taken to get all these photos on here!) After the miracle it took to even get me to Brazil, I can now see why it was so important for me to have taken this trip. It was nothing short of incredible. Hopefully I can manage to incorporate both the events of the trip and the things I've learned into one big experience to share with you.

Returning to Sao Paulo, where I served my mission six years ago, was way different than I thought it would be. For one, I wasn't a missionary anymore. But I still FELT like a missionary, because I've never been there WITHOUT being a missionary. So it was quite an adjustment. Try being in a room with the television on, and feeling like you shouldn't look at it! And then realizing you CAN watch it! Same goes for listening to music, dancing, wearing jeans, leaving your designated area, walking somewhere without your companion, hugging the brethren??? Santa vaca! Wow! I hadn't anticipated how these things would be uncomfortable for me after all this time! Kinda funny. Anyway, so I will get on with it.

Here is Anna Laura picking me up at the airport in Sao Paulo on Sunday afternoon.
Anna Laura, Me, Sister Ellis and Elder Ellis. My first of two mission presidents. He is now an area authority in Brazil, so I got to go see him! How neat to all be down there at the same time again. It was such an uplifting experience to sit with these two and talk. They are amazing.

This is the view from the Ellis' living room window.

Anna Laura bought these "supplies" for everyone at her reception who wanted to boogie on down. They go all out!

Me and Manuella.
The new chapel in Vila Progresso, Sorocaba. Gorgeous!

Edna... an amazing cook, just like her mother!

The feast Edna prepared for me. Yum!

Irmao NatalinoLucia, Neusa and me. These ladies are Angels in Action.

The Maniezzo Family. They own the Pizzeria. Best in town!Anna Laura and me at 25 de Marco drinking our coconut water.

Two more of my favorite things... Guarana and Estrogonofe de Frango! Que delicia!

The Party Supply store gearing up for Carnaval! Yeah baby!

The Sao Paulo Temple at night... breathtaking.

Me, Anna Laura and Manu at Thatiana's college graduation.

I had the honor of teaching Sr. Everaldo the discussions when I was here before. It did not result in baptism, but he is an amazing father. A wonderful, giving person. This is an incredible family!

Thatiana and Alexandre after they traded engagement rings. What a cute couple!

Dog do Mane... the best hot dogs ever. I won't even tell you what he puts on them. Like eight billion calories worth of absolute sin. Delicious.

Marta and Me!

Gisa and Me.

The Krafts and Vovo Genolina, my little grammy poo! Adorable. All of them.

All the gang at the karaoke bar. I couldn't leave the country without singing the blues. Well, or maybe just a little country! Yeehaw!

I had to go to Habib's to have some Esfihas and strawberry juice with milk.

Sao Paulo's mascot. This is the stadium of Morumbi!

Where all the magic happens... right here!

They made me an honorary member of their team. Or I just stuck my head in the hole.

Anna Laura and Me right before Anna Laura went through the temple! What an honor to be her escort! It was amazing!

The big day. The morning of Anna Laura and Daniel's sealing!

My new friend Luize who reminds me so much of Kara! Just in a different language.

The Happy Couple

Helping Anna Laura get ready for the reception.

Alvaro and Melissa at the reception. Alvara had been our ward mission leader when I served in this area.

Rodrigo, Rosangela and Raquel. One of the sweet families I was close to.

The Newlyweds at their big BASH!

The Funnest girls in town. Me, Ingrid, Raquel and Gisa. Louquinhas!

My last meal in Brazil before boarding the plane. Angela, Everaldo, Thatiana and Me.

Goodbye Sao Paulo! I will miss you!