Catching Up!

It definitely is true that, as the end of the mission approaches, time seems to speed up. I feel like I just blinked, and two months have gone by. I would like to summarize what I have been doing:

In the last two months, I have taught many classes for new missionaries, both online, and face-to-face. Online, I have taught how it is normal to feel a little uncomfortable on a mission, even if you are doing everything right and obeying the mission rules.  I have also taught how to solve problems and keep from getting discouraged. I have taught face-to face at the MTC (temple orientation classes) and zone conferences in Feira de Santana and João Pessoa.

Coastline João Pessoa
The coastline of João Pessoa - the easternmost part of Brazil!

I have been to João Pessoa twice in the past two months, teaching zone conferences both times. It is so beautiful there! (Yes, I have talked about it before. This was my third visit in 18 months!)  When we weren't busy with zone conferences, President and Sister Boone and I had some fun! Here we are at the actual site of where Brazil is closest to Africa.

Cape Branco
Cape Branco, the most eastern part of all the Americas!

Cape Branco sign

 

 

 

 

 

 

And look at the amazing view from the mission home! The blue you see beyond the buildings is the Atlantic Ocean. This was Christmas Morning, and one of the stockings on the couch was for me! President Boone is reading to his beautiful grandson, who they nicknamed Tubarãozinho (Little Shark). He is known more by that name in the mission than his real name!

Video file

Feira de Santana was an especially meaningful zone conference for me because it was a city that my son Matt had served in on his mission! I kept sending him photos and asking questions like, "Do you remember this place? Do you remember this member?"

Mission Office in Feira de SantanaChapel in Feira de Santana

 

 

 

 

 

I also have counseled with many missionaries individually and taught them skills in problem-solving and how to receive revelation for themselves. These were really meaningful for me. It was wonderful to see a missionary go from feeling sad to feeling hopeful, with new skills.

Lastly, I have two English classes that I am helping teach every week - one live, and one online. 

Other fun things that I have done lately are going to Rua Vinte e Cinco de Março (Twenty-fifth of March Street). It has traditionally been a neighborhood of Syrian and Lebanese immigrants for the last 150 years and is one of the premier shopping places in all South American. It is the place to find everything at discounted prices! In the beginning, the early settlers would sell fabric that would be imported and floated up the river to this area. Since then, it has grown until it has 9000 shops and kiosks, and at times like Mother's Day and Christmas, it can have a MILLION visitors a day! (In case you are wondering where the name came from, it is named after March 25, 1824, the date that the first Brazilian constitution was signed).

Rua 25 de Março
Looking down on one small section of Rua 25 de Março. It goes for miles!
Jo and I eating Middle Eastern Food
Jo and I eating Middle Eastern Food

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homecoming!One more thing to mention! In early December, I was asked to accompany a sister back to the states who needed to come for medical reasons (I don't know what they were). Although I was sad that she needed to leave Brazil, it was an opportunity for me to come home for just a few days. That was wonderful! I was able to have a family dinner with all the family in the Salt Lake area (Thank you Matt and Brittney for putting that all together!). I was also able to surprise dear Elder and Sister Beck at their homecoming! It was so fun! With the help of our mutual friends the Princes, I was able to pull it off. I had said farewell to the Becks at Family Home Evening on Monday in Brazil and then said surprised them in Bountiful, Utah the following Sunday! I loved it. 

I also got to see my amazing GREAT-grandson (so cute!)! That was wonderful! 

Our very own Tubarãozinho!Now, I am back in São Paulo, all my traveling in Brazil is done, and I only have one more class to teach. In ten days, I leave for Atlanta and the first leg of my trip home!

 

Comments21

Restricted HTML

  • Allowed HTML tags: <a href hreflang> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote cite> <code> <ul type> <ol start type> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <h2 id> <h3 id> <h4 id> <h5 id> <h6 id>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.

lauren (not verified)

1 year 2 months ago

wow! time seems to have flown by. you are amazing! I will miss seeing all of your updates and hearing about brazil!! oh how you were a blessing to many!!!

Алкоголизм — это хроническое заболевание, которое характеризуется патологической зависимостью от этанола. Периоды запоя, когда человек неконтролируемо потребляет алкоголь, могут привести к разнообразным медицинским осложнениям, как физическим, так и психологическим. Запой становится не только причиной ухудшения здоровья, но и причиной множества социальных и личных проблем. На этом фоне возникает необходимость вывода из запоя, процесс, который должен учитывать индивидуальные особенности пациента. Важно, что анонимность в реабилитации играет ключевую роль, помогая избежать стигматизации и увеличивая шансы на успешное восстановление.
Узнать больше - vyvod iz zapoya v-ryazani

Mark Martin (not verified)

1 year 2 months ago

You've accomplished so much in just 18 months. You can really feel at peace with all of the help you've provided others during your mission. Well done!

joseph

1 year 2 months ago

The mission president doesn’t have a mission home, he has a mission apartment?

Here it has just snowed a little bit.  It’ll be great to see you in a few weeks!

Snow in Provo
Snow in Provo — Snowvo!

How was having Christmas in summertime?  I remember my Christmases in the tropics.  It felt different not having snow and cold weather for the holidays, but I loved being able to go out in shorts and sandals over the holidays while complaining about how hot is was and how glad I was for air conditioning lol.  😆 

Sister Barneck (not verified)

1 year 2 months ago

So many great memories. I couldn't hear what was in the audio clip; and there didn't seem to be a picture of a couch with stocking on it. But I'm sure you have them in your memory album.
Fun to see the great-grandson--especially with his dad helping out.
WOW! Great Grandma!!!

Matt (not verified)

1 year 2 months ago

Glad you are having wonderful experiences in brazil. Looking forward to having you home.

Mark & Pauline (not verified)

1 year 2 months ago

Thanks for your wonderful blogs. We send our love and best wishes!

Barb Martin (not verified)

1 year 1 month ago

Wow! You did it! Well done! Mark and I look forward to seeing you when you return to Utah. Safe travels!

Brittney (not verified)

1 year 1 month ago

I love that you were able to travel a bit and enjoy some beautiful areas again before you come home. Hopuefully you will come home feeling like you truly got to experience the people and places that you'd wanted to. I'd imagine mission life is a lot like being a parent of little ones. The days feel like they drag on sometimes but the years fly by. You'll be home before you know it. Well done!

Larry S (not verified)

1 year 1 month ago

Wonderful report of your many achievements! Congratulations on a fantastic mission!

GeorgeCoG (not verified)

21 min 16 sec ago

Эта разъяснительная статья содержит простые и доступные разъяснения по актуальным вопросам. Мы стремимся сделать информацию понятной для широкой аудитории, чтобы каждый смог разобраться в предмете и извлечь из него максимум пользы.
Подробнее тут - https://narko-zakodirovat1.ru/

GeorgeCoG (not verified)

20 min 32 sec ago

Эта разъяснительная статья содержит простые и доступные разъяснения по актуальным вопросам. Мы стремимся сделать информацию понятной для широкой аудитории, чтобы каждый смог разобраться в предмете и извлечь из него максимум пользы.
Изучить вопрос глубже - https://narko-zakodirovat1.ru/

GeorgeCoG (not verified)

19 min 2 sec ago

Этот информативный текст выделяется своими захватывающими аспектами, которые делают сложные темы доступными и понятными. Мы стремимся предложить читателям глубину знаний вместе с разнообразием интересных фактов. Откройте новые горизонты и развивайте свои способности познавать мир!
Получить дополнительную информацию - https://narko-zakodirovat1.ru/

GeorgeCoG (not verified)

10 min 9 sec ago

В этой статье-обзоре мы соберем актуальную информацию и интересные факты, которые освещают важные темы. Читатели смогут ознакомиться с различными мнениями и подходами, что позволит им расширить кругозор и глубже понять обсуждаемые вопросы.
Получить дополнительные сведения - https://narko-zakodirovat1.ru/

GeorgeCoG (not verified)

10 min 8 sec ago

В этом обзорном материале представлены увлекательные детали, которые находят отражение в различных аспектах жизни. Мы исследуем непонятные и интересные моменты, позволяя читателю увидеть картину целиком. Погрузитесь в мир знаний и удивительных открытий!
Разобраться лучше - https://narko-zakodirovat1.ru/

GeorgeCoG (not verified)

9 min 25 sec ago

Эта статья сочетает познавательный и занимательный контент, что делает ее идеальной для любителей глубоких исследований. Мы рассмотрим увлекательные аспекты различных тем и предоставим вам новые знания, которые могут оказаться полезными в будущем.
Подробнее можно узнать тут - https://narko-zakodirovat1.ru/

GeorgeCoG (not verified)

6 min 44 sec ago

Этот информационный материал привлекает внимание множеством интересных деталей и необычных ракурсов. Мы предлагаем уникальные взгляды на привычные вещи и рассматриваем вопросы, которые волнуют общество. Будьте в курсе актуальных тем и расширяйте свои знания!
Выяснить больше - https://narko-zakodirovat1.ru/

GeorgeCoG (not verified)

6 min 26 sec ago

Эта информационная заметка содержит увлекательные сведения, которые могут вас удивить! Мы собрали интересные факты, которые сделают вашу жизнь ярче и полнее. Узнайте нечто новое о привычных аспектах повседневности и откройте для себя удивительный мир информации.
Выяснить больше - https://narko-zakodirovat1.ru/

GeorgeCoG (not verified)

3 min 40 sec ago

В этой статье-обзоре мы соберем актуальную информацию и интересные факты, которые освещают важные темы. Читатели смогут ознакомиться с различными мнениями и подходами, что позволит им расширить кругозор и глубже понять обсуждаемые вопросы.
Ознакомиться с деталями - https://narko-zakodirovat1.ru/

GeorgeCoG (not verified)

59 sec ago

Предлагаем вашему вниманию интересную справочную статью, в которой собраны ключевые моменты и нюансы по актуальным вопросам. Эта информация будет полезна как для профессионалов, так и для тех, кто только начинает изучать тему. Узнайте ответы на важные вопросы и расширьте свои знания!
Узнать больше - https://narko-zakodirovat1.ru/

GeorgeCoG (not verified)

1 sec ago

Предлагаем вашему вниманию интересную справочную статью, в которой собраны ключевые моменты и нюансы по актуальным вопросам. Эта информация будет полезна как для профессионалов, так и для тех, кто только начинает изучать тему. Узнайте ответы на важные вопросы и расширьте свои знания!
Получить дополнительную информацию - https://narko-zakodirovat1.ru/