summerrrr

ola familia!
Suddenly it´s like I live on the sun. It is SO hot. It was about 41º this week... I´m not sure what that is in farenheit but I think it´s about 105. Plus however much humidity... I sweat so much that I feel like I just got out of the shower and didn´t dry off before getting dressed. It´s pretty gross. The worst part was that we only had one fan in our apartment (there´s no air conditioning or anything) and so it was SO hot at night that we all woke up probably every hour. Also I kept waking up on the floor - I guess it was cooler down there than in my bed. But Presidente Vasco (the ramo presidente) gave us like 3 more fans from the capela storage, so now we sleep lots better :)
I can´t believe it´s almost the fourth of July! What are you doing this year? Sister Cutler and I will celebrate, probably with a fartura... I also colored my planner on that day to look like an American flag. `Merica. Also here´s a scripture for independence day: Alma 10:6. (Read it. Get it?)
Also I think I never told you. My scripture of the transfer is Isaiah 41:10. I picked it because sometimes we get discouraged because no one wants to listen, but we don´t need to because Heavenly Father is helping us. Also I like the phrase "upheld with the right hand of my righteousness". That made me think of 2 things. 1. When we are righteous, we can be found at the right hand of God. So when we do our part, we will be where we need to be for Him to support us. 2. When we sustain people in church, we uphold our right hands. So basically God is sustaining us. He is saying He knows we´re worthy and able of this calling, and that He will do all He can to help us magnify it. So I liked that. I am going to try to memorize it in Portuguese.
The best part about this week was watching Paulo´s conversion continue. He helped pass the sacrament for the first time yesterday. It was amazing to see someone use their priesthood for the first time. And after church, another pesquisador was looking at a picture of President Monson, and Paulo went over to explain "That´s the prophet. He´s alive. Joseph Smith restored the gospel but he isn´t alive anymore. This one is living." And even though it was just a simple explanation to him, hearing Paulo (an ex-smoker, drug-addict, etc) bear testimony like it was second nature was maybe the most beautiful thing I think I have ever heard.
The mission president broadcast was amazing. The four of us here (us and Sisters Valdez and Warner) got to watch yesterday.. in ENGLSH. It made me miss the Marriot center (ha) but also it was amazing. Especially that musical medley with the missionary family. I want to be like that someday.
We got fed by members like 3 times this week. Portuguese food is soooo good! I am glad that we have exercise time every morning... Also I have been going running with Sister Warner twice a week. (Sister Cutler likes to go the other days). On Saturday we ran two miles without stopping. Take that, asthma.
Two pesqusiador milagres:
1. We had this pesq., Rosaly, who didn´t want to talk to us anymore. She has two adorable little kids. She got a job and said she was two busy, even though she used to want to be baptized. But yesterday we felt like we should pass by, so we did to invite her to the family night the ramo is having tonight. She said she will come, and that we can start teaching her again!
2. Bernardo. He wants to be baptized, but is scared of what his parents think. But he came to church (he hasn´t been since my first Sunday), and it letting us meet his family to talk to them so he can get baptized!
I am starting to be a weird missionary- everything reminds me of a hymn or scripture. But I LOVE IT HERE. São João is probably the best area in the whole world.
I hope everyone is having a great summer. I am sending a little package-ish thing this week or next for you all; hope you enjoy it. Did Dad and Jeremy get my letters? Don´t get heat stroke and have a great week!
I love you tons,
Sister Gidney