Brazil week 1

We've been here in Brazil for 7 days now and what a great week it's been!  The Mission Institute classes been keeping us busy.  We have 14 families attending that are assigned or are placed in various places in the world including: French Guiana, Colombia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, England, Chile, Lebanon, Tanzania, Kenya, Israel, Bangladesh, Trinidad and St.Kitts.  It's been such a blessing getting to know all of them-eating meals together, praying for each other, and sharing personal testimonies.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if we can visit each family?

In our classes we've been talking about transition, values, culture, world view...etc.  One of the favorite quotes I came across this week is: "Be a bamboo, not an oak." I think it may be my motto for a while! :)

Here are some pictures of the beautiful campus and from our Sabbath walk down to the lake.

A pony ride on a Sunday morning!  Megumi kept on saying "horse!"

Today we spent a couple hours at a local Sunday market.  There were lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, spices...etc.  We enjoyed some "pastel" which is a deep fried dough filled with various fillings.  We tried the cheese and the heart of palm.  They were both very delicious! We also had some cold fresh coconut juice and it was so tasty!  Meg couldn't get enough.

Our great guide and our new friend!

We are trying to pick up a few Portuguese words while we are here.  So far we've only mastered: "obrigado" (thank you), "Bom dia"(good morning), "Bom Sabado" (happy Sabbath) and "por favor" (please).  The rest of communication is through hand motions and whatever other creative way I can think of! Good thing the Brazilians are friendly and patient people! :)  Perhaps I can pick up few more new words this week!