This is one of our amazing Brazilian rainstorms. We were in a chapel doing interviews when this one started. I was glad to realize that most of our missionaries were still home doing their morning studies. When the time came for them to go out to work the storm had cleared out.

As we travel around the state we see rice paddies everywhere. Our assistant told us that the state of Rio Grande do Sul is one of the only regions in Brazil where they grow rice.

On Thanksgiving we had a Zone Leader Council meeting. I thought we should have some type of celebration, so I made a bunch of pies - pumpkin, banana cream, peach, strawberry, and apple. The pumpkin and banana cream were the favorites. Pictured are Elders Duncan, Watts and Pourre.
Elder Meneses, the smile says it all!

President just treated these missionaries to lunch. We had pastels, which are like a fried pocket sandwich with lots of different fillings. Think of a hot-pocket but 3 times the size. I like this photo because in the background mirror you can see Curt paying and me taking the photo. The missionaries are E. Carvalho, E. Bangerter, E. Hickman, E. Fredrickson, E. Xavier and E. Maruji.

Our financial secretary Elder Watts was running around so fast preparing for transfer day that he ran into the door and cut his head - but Sis. Swenson's brownies make everything feel better.

Our staff photo before transfer day. We three of our missionaries went back to the "campo." Here are E. Duncan (new financial secretary) E. Rush (former assistant) E. Grabner (executive secretary) E. Maruji (assistant) E. Santana (secretary for housing) Sis. & Pres. E. Watts (former financial secretary) E. Xavier (new assistant) E. Andson.

Here is another look at that amazing tree shown above, it is right in front of the church building by our office. These are in bloom all around the city right now. I need to learn the name of this gorgeous tree.

Some of our beautiful sisters on transfer day at the bus station. Aren't they terrific?

President saying good bye to these missionaries who headed home on November 26th. I bet the American families had quite a Thanksgiving celebration. Pictured are E. Jones, E. Rocha, President, E. Milton, E. Ritter (kneeling), E. Braga, E. Elias, S. Pereira. E. Nasella.

This a photo of all of our missionaries together at a very special mission conference with Elder Richard G. Scott. We might not ever have them all together at one time again. It was a very special day for us, October 31, 2009. We love these missionaries!