Excerpts from June 2, 9, 16

(June 2)

Well, the absolute unexpected occurred today!  I was transfered to the area of Araturi...it is located in a sister city of Fortaleza called Caucaia.  And, I was made a zone leader with Elder B*, who is from Curitiba.  I have heard that in terms of our own missionary work here it will be difficult...we have the largest zone in the mission.  We have to do two splits every week in order fulfill our responsibilities.  It should be fun.  I know I am going to learn a lot.

(June 9)

Wow, I can't believe that another week has already passed.  I got really sick early in the week.  My first three days in my new area were spent in a bed and the doctor’s office.  However, I am doing great now and everything is perfect.  My new area is very different.  It is far out in the periphery of the city.  Every Monday I have to go to the city center to the mission office in order to get supplies for the zone.   We take an hour long train ride and then walk forever in the city.  Wow, the center of Fortaleza is really cool.  It is like an old New York City (but of course, everything is in Portuguese).

My new house...BOA SORTE...we are living in a hut!  Our roof is brick, which means we practically don't have a roof.  I get home every night and my bed is covered in a centimeter of dust.  But I love it.  Canindé must have been a preparatory time for me (but I am so grateful I have water!)  I have never lived in a place where the kitchen sink is outside...It is awesome! J

(June 16)

This past week has been super hectic.  I think it has been the longest week of my life.  I am so tired.  First off, we had three baptisms yesterday: E*, D*, and I*.  E* and his wife were married this past Friday and then he was baptized on Saturday.  He is amazing.  He is going to be such an amazing leader in the church.  D* and I* are the most adorable, well-behaved kids you will ever meet.

Brazil is on a permanent holiday for the next three weeks.  Everyone is just watching "football" all day long.  It was crazy the first night when Brazil played.  We weren't allowed to watch the game...therefore, we stayed in the house and had a churrasco party.  We went and bought carne and then built our own firepit.  It was pretty awesome.  It was super fun.  Whenever Brazil scored a goal, the entire neighborhood was shouting and screaming.  With how loud the music and commentary were, playing in the background of the neighborhood, it was like we were practically watching it.

It is pretty hot down here.  It never gets cold.  We have this huge tree in our backyard that is filled with huge caterpillars.  They are invading our house.  Everyday it is a battle of exterminating the caterpillars.  I think yesterday, Elder S* killed about 25.  It is crazy.  Life is pretty normal here.  Just trying to be happy.