War Zone

Yesterday and today were holidays here for some kind of catholic saint... no one really knows where the holiday actually came from. But everything is closed and they have a tradition of LOTS of fireworks and bonfires in the street. So walking the streets is pretty interesting and the air is full of smoke and we didn't really sleep last night from all the noise but it is also a really fun time of the year here. On Friday, we had our 'festa junina' at the church with a live band and lots of yummy food and it was so fun. My new area is really rich and it is a little bit more difficult but I love my house and the ward is really big. I think I will really like it here. My companion is SO fun and we are alot alike in a lot of ways and I am really loving working with her so far. We have the same vision and same way of working, if that makes sense and these next few weeks are gonna fly by. I am hoping I can stay 2 transfers with her. It was really hard to say bye to Sister Seumanu but I am happy here. My first 2 lunches here were with people i already knew from my time in Aracaju before! Also got to call a member from Atalaia in our district meeting and the same day we were walking on the street when another lady from my other area passed in her car and yelled "we miss you Sister Mather!!!" It made me so happy and I feel like I really did come back to a kind of home.

We are teaching a few people but none of them were able to come to church... BUT our bishop invited his friend Juliano to church and he loved it! He is married with 15 and 11 year old kids and we will meet them this week.

We are taking care of 14 other sisters, 5 of which just got here this past week. One is an American and she reminds me a lot of where i was a year ago. So grateful to be here and I am amazed sometimes at how much has happened in just a year. AH I love Brazil guys, you have no idea.

Love you all!!

Sister Lauren Mather

Photos and Videos: (not many this week, it has been raining a LOT so I haven't had my camera)
poster that sis dias made for me <3
coconut water- its only 1 real on the street pretty much everywhere here
são joão festivities