Before you all start reading Sister Ball's newest email I wanted to share a bit of another sisters email talking about the sisters first day of proselyting in Sao Paulo. The missionaries aren't allowed to take pictures when they have free time in Sao Paulo for fear of them seeming like tourists. Apparently a camera would not be the first indicator that Brianna is not a local!
"Before we left our instructor told us not to speak any English because people would look at us funny. And sure enough right when we got off the bus a very flamboyant man looks at us and yells "Hey how's it going?!" In English. So we continute to have a full conversation with him in English because he wanted to practice with us haha. He said that he knew that we were Americans because of Sister Ball (who is very tall and very blonde), he said that he saw her and knew that she was from another planet! It was so funny, our instructor was totally shaking his head but it was funny."
Ola todo mundo!
Como vai? This week has definitely strengthened my faith in
multiple ways. Lots of friends left, but a lot came too and I've been
able to make new friendships and strengthen my testimony of the gospel.
This last Thursday, a lot of Brazilians reported to the CTM. My district
and I were all sitting in class, practicing for proselyting the
following Friday
when all of the sudden, we heard these explosions. Of course, we all
began to freak out, but then we looked out the window and saw a family
setting off fireworks as they dropped their son off at the CTM. It was
so cute! No idea if that was allowed, but it made us all happy,
nonetheless.
One way my faith has been strengthened this week has been through
my health. I've been sick for over a week now, with nothing serious at
all, but just enough to bug me a little. Last week, I lost my voice for a
couple of days, one of those days being our proselyting day in downtown
Sao Paulo. Everyone in my district was each given two copies of The
Book of Mormon to meaningfully give to people we came in contact with.
Even though I couldn't speak, Sister Barker, my companion, was awesome
enough to hand out all of our copies. What a miracle! The previous
night, I had received a priesthood blessing from the Elders in our
district and after proselyting, the one who gave the blessing, Elder
Draper, brought to my remembrance that even though I couldn't talk that
day, in my blessing, I was told that the people we came in contact with
would be able to see and feel my love for them and the gospel. What a
comfort that was to me. He also gave me a scripture to read--Alma 29,
verse 1. It described how I felt perfectly!
Along with all the new Brazilians who arrived, my companion and I
got new Brazilian roommates. They were Sister McKenzie and Sister
Sowers, our dear friends, but now it's Sister Almeida and Sister R.
Santos. They don't speak any Ingles but I love them so much! Sister
Almeida and I are both on the top bunks and we pillow talk every night.
Somehow, we're able to understand each other and learn so much about
each other. It's going to be hard to say goodbye to them.
Today, I was also able to teach my Australian friend, Sister
Cameron, what quesadillas and tacos are. Apparently the most Mexican
food-thing she's ever heard of are enchiladas and burritos. Who knew?!
So that was very entertaining. She leaves next week for Joao Pessoa!
Also, thank you so much Mom and Grand Dad for your letters. They
made me so so happy and I also loved getting some pictures. I love you
all so much and think of you often. I hope life is good up North and
that the Lord is blessing your lives. I can see His hand in my life
every day and I love it. I'm praying for you all and love you dearly!!
Com amor,
Sister Ball
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