I am really excited because this week we will be moving into a new house. (Actually, an apartment) But this old house was horrrrrrible. We had so many problems with bugs, rats, you name it. But now, we will live in a nicer apartment, second floor with tile everywhere and no bugs. It also has a beautiful view. Above the apartment you can walk on the terrace and see the whole city! I sent a picture. I am just really excited to leave this old nasty molding house.
This week was normal. It’s really hot here, but a different type of heat. My other area was hot, but we were constantly sweating. Here, it feels like the sun is just frying your skin. I think it’s more of a dry heat. Who knows? But at least it will probably only cool down starting the next month or so.
My cultural moment for this week: (you guys will laugh) Here in Brazil Carnival is a HUUUGE holiday. Bigger than Christmas! They shut everything down and go to the beach, where they party, drink, dance and everything else. In preparation for Carnival, they have commercials and programs on the TV that to me, a little American missionary, were shocking! We were in an investigators house, and a program was playing on the TV. They were having a competition between carnival dancers. Just picture the show girls in Las Vegas with the feathers and bikini clothing. So these girls were dancing and I became completely shocked when I realized that their naked bums were totally showing. (Maybe I’m just innocent? but I’m pretty sure that doesn’t show on the TV in the US) They were all laughing at my facial expression when I realized what was happening. I was freaking out saying `seriously? They can show this on TV at this hour?` They all laughed and said `Ya! It’s so normal here!` There were commercials passing with a painted naked woman dancing- my goodness. Here, it´s normal! Ha ha ha! Maybe that will give you an idea of what carnival is all about. But it was pretty funny.
I don’t know what else is new this week. We are trying to find people to teach, but people aren’t as open and accepting here in this area. They don’t even open the door for us at times. O well! But we will have success- I have faith. The only reason we found this apartment was because we prayed endlessly to move and we worked to find a place. It was really difficult to find something here, but we did! Only because the Lord helped us.
I have also become addicted to açai here. It is a fruit from the amazons, and you eat the frozen pulp with things like nuts, granola, honey… YUM. They also make a really good smoothie with it too. I LOVE açai! This week I drank a huge jar of this smoothie and my companion was astonished that I finished it. Next time I´ll have to take a picture. Mmmm... you should all try this açai. It’s amazing!
Thank you for your prayers and support. I love you all and have a good week! Keep writing because I like to know how you are doing.
Love,
Sister Gordon