ZOOper week

Querida família,
This week was so busy!
Last Monday we went to the ZOO! It was SO awesome!! There was a little cable car that went above the whole thing, and a lot of animals, AND a dolphin show!! We went with the Elders and with two jovens, Brendo and Ianik. It was the best. I want to go again.

On Tuesday we had a division with the Sisters in Sacavém, Sister Salies and Sister Gutzwiller. I went with Sister Gutzwiller. She is adorable. She is from Utah and just barely turned 20. She was a huge example to me of service and charity and just always trying to help everyone. I learned a LOT from her.
I also got my "trunky call"! They call everyone 3 or 4 months before your release date to ask which airport you will fly home to... I can´t believe how fast the time is going.

On Wednesday we were teaching a woman named Nezaré. Unfortunately she is moving to Angole, but she wants to be baptized. Side note, she got shot in the head and the bullet stayed in her skull for two years before she had surgery to remove it.
Also on Wednesday, Elder Bluemel had to go to the hospital for back problems. He is in his last transfer and is wearing out. So if you want to pray for him, he would appreciate it.
On Thursday, it was Sister Derrick´s birthday! We started out the day by going to zone conference. We found out that we would be getting another dupla in Odivelas--again! So many changes... It is kind of hard on the area for so many missionaries to go and come and areas to open and close, so I hope it all works out for the best.
When we got back, we threw a surprise party for Sister Derrick!! So many white lies went into the party... especially to get her there. But she was so surprised and so happy! Lots of the ward came, and we had a lot of food and fun. She was so happy :)

On Friday we spent a lot of the day prepping for the new sisters--including dividing the area and making an area book.
Saturday, the new sisters arrived! It is kind of hard adjusting to have four of us in the house again, but it will be fun.
For lunch, we got to go to the Adriano´s house. They are a family whose parents were some of the first church members, and Irmão Adriano is one of President Fluckiger´s counselors. They live in our area. We also worked with the daughter that afternoon to visit some menos ativos.
We saw a bunch of trash cans that I think caught on fire because they were all melted. Either that or they just collapsed in the HEAT WAVE. Suddenly it is 900 degrees here (as Katy would say). More ice cream! (Don´t worry--we sweat out all the calories).
Yesterday was miraculous. The Church was FULL! Relief Society had twice as many sisters as usual. The recent convert, Bea, who we are working with, brought THREE of her friends. All in all we had 7 investigators there (more than I have ever had before!), the elders had 8, and there were at least 10 less active members there. It was so incredible because the ward had an invitation activity, to go and find these brothers and sisters and invite them--and with the ward acting together, we had a huge miracle!!
Also in church there was an American family. I was talking to the 14 year old daughter and asked why they were here. She said, "We´re going to live here for about a year. Because my dad is WORKING ON THE TEMPLE" They are finally starting!! I am sooo excited!!!
Also, I had no idea until this morning, but HAPPY FATHER´S DAY yesterday to the BEST DAD EVER!! I love your emails every week, and your jokes :) Love you!
I hope you all have a fabulous week! I love you all TONS!!
Com amor,
Sister Gidney