^{Alyssa Rides the Mechanical Bull During the Mission Party}

Basically, today we had a big party as we set a new all-time record for numbers of baptisms in a month. We had 210!! I don’t have time to write much but I’ll send photos. 

Nehemiah 6:3 – “…I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down…”

That’s all folks, Tchau tchau for now!

PS: I rode a mechanical bull. The things I never thought I’d do on the mission kkkk

Com amor, 

Sister Alyssa Grace

Jaboatão Dos Guararapes, Brasil

Basically, all this week was a big holiday here in Brasil Nordeste, called São João meaning Saint John. And I literally had no idea what it was or why it was being celebrated. 2 weeks ago, I was at the doctor’s office and heard a lady talking to the receptionist about why São João is better than Christmas so obviously, my curiosity was peaked. After spending the last 13 days asking every member and investigator I’ve met, I was finally blessed with answers yesterday at the last minute. 

Basically, it’s John the Baptist’s birthday. Get it? Cause it says in the Bible that he’s 6 months older than Jesus so if we celebrate the birth of Christ in December, gotta celebrate the birth of his cousin in June. If I could describe what the holiday celebrations look like I would say imagine Cornbelly’s (if you know what that is), take away the maze, and that’s the holiday. Everyone is dressed up as scarecrows and lumberjacks and making every conceivable corn based dish. What does John the Baptist have to do with corn? Good question. 

Anyways, everybody thinks it’s really funny to throw exploding fireworks at the meninas dos Mórmons and they’re literally louder than gunshots. Sister Quispe (my new companion for about 2 weeks) and I have gotten quite a few street contacts just because people feel bad when they see us jump from what we think are bullets being blasted in our direction.

Speaking of Sister Quispe, here’s what I know about her.

• 23 years old

• She is from Peru

• Has 5 months in the mission 

• Doesn’t have the “habit” of sleeping with a pillow (my head still can’t compute that)

• Has never been to McDonald’s so I’m taking her today

• The only reason she wants to learn English is to be able to sing along with Adele and not just hum

• Wanted to ride the robotic bull at the ward party but was not allowed to by “mission rules”

That’s about all I got until now, we’ve only been together for 2 days. Sister Villatoro gave one final “tchau” Friday and went home to Guatemala. There was a little mini shift in companionships because the transfer isn’t over yet, so we’re in temporary reassignment until July 4. We may only have 2 weeks but we’re gonna get miracles!!!

Scripture of the week:

Doctrine and Covenants 123:17 – “Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.”

Key word: cheerfully

We have the responsibility to not only teach the gospel, but to live it. It’s a gospel of peace, of hope, and of happiness. People need to feel it and see it before they’ll really be able to understand it. Be cheerful disciples of Jesus Christ

That’s all folks, Tchau tchau for now!

Com amor, 

Sister Alyssa Grace

Jaboatão Dos Guararapes, Brasil