Take Two

So I did it. I finally bought the world`s ugliest shoes. Do I regret it? Not in the slightest. The best pair of shoes I have ever bought. They are some sort of hiking sandals that go fabulously well with everyone of my outfits. pha. One thing I love about Brazil, is that I rarely see myself in a mirror, so it doesn`t matter what I look like really. Comfort is my only worry at the moment. Why I brought long sleeves shirts and cardigans is beyond me? I know you all are saying I told you so at the moment...but live and learn I guess. So Brazil and I are really starting to love one another. Despite the constant heat and the fact that they all speak this strange language, we really are getting along well. Everyday is a little better. I have had to let go of a little bit more of my pride (Just as I was starting to think that I was almost rid of it) and just realize that I was going to sound ridiculous no matter when I started to speak, so I might as well do it now. So I finally feel like a missionary. A missionary that speaks like a three year old, but a missionary nevertheless. I feel quite a bit happier now that I`m sharing my testimony and teaching, because I have the Spirit with me so much more now. It was frustrating at first when people talked to me were telling me that they couldn~t understand me, but now they understand me- I just don`t typically understand them all that well. But luckily that is why I have Sister Morales! It is so funny when the people think that I don`t understand them at all though. One of my favorite things to do is to listen to them talk about me, mostly because it is usually somewhat flattering (I guess I do need to get rid of some more pride). The youth here are absolutely amazing. The come out with us all the time, and I`m able to learn a lot from talking with them. THey are patient with me and seem to love me regardless of the language barrier. We are working with quite a few people that are moving along very quickly. Already, I have been able to see that lessons I learned in Alabama were things I needed to bring here. For example, contacting. I learned really quickly that the best way to capture a person~s interest, even while on the street is to not give them time to deny you, just jump into your message and start to testify. It is when you ask if you can share a message that they won`t want to listen, but if you don`t give them a choice at least they know what they are rejecting when they reject it. One thing that has been giving me a particular hard time is the food. My taste buds love it, but my body does not. I have lost a considerable amount of weight in two weeks. Which is most likely combination of me needing to get rid of the pounds that accumulated from the MTC and Alabama, the great amount of walking we do here, and the fact that I have a constant nauseated feeling. Good news, my skirts now fit me very well again. Bad news, I dread eating. Oh well, it will get better. Rachel! Congratulations on having your baby. Little Claire Marie is in my prayers and I will be looking foward to pictures. I can`t believe you are a mom. Tell her that Aunt McKenzie says hello! Monica and David, ya`ll both are in my prayers as well. Love you. Sydney and Alex! Enjoy your last week of High School. I loved looking at your prom pictures. I have two beautiful sisters, huh? OH and good luck everyone on finals. Crazy. I can`t believe it has been a year since then. I love every single one of you. Thanks so much for your support. I couldn`t be happier and I couldn`t be in a better place. I love you. Sister Powell