Week 19 -- Week 10 from Sao Gabriel

We received a terrific email from Zack this week entitled "Chimarrao, Churrasco and Happy Endings":

"Chimarrão is a drink here, basically grass with scalding hot water - it is terrible, but I love it now (I can't believe it either, Mark!). Churrasco is the greatest thing ever. It is a way to prepare meat and the closest thing to it is barbeque, but, oh man.

This week was Zone Conference and let me tell you, President and Sister Myrrha are unbelievable. Zone Conference is always very fun and spiritual, and I get letters and packages; so, I received all of your letters and packages from the last month, woo hoo, though not the Christmas ones, Mom. There was a part in Sister Myrrha's training about Seattle and Pike Place Market, ahhh, home sweet home.

Anyway, happy endings. This week we worked really hard and taught many lessons, but the best part was that we set a date with Vitória again, and I think that I will baptize her this Saturday! The mother, Janaína, was baptized when she was 15 years-old because her mom made her, and she has been inactive ever since. She is at least 28. She is married and has 4 children. Her oldest daughter Luana, 10, was baptized by the Sisters before I got here and she is unbelievably firm in the gospel, even though she was alone. So, we found the family randomly while tracting, and I have been working with them for about 2 months. They have had financial difficulties, and the parents smoked and many different things. The most recent was that they couldn't pay and were going to have to move. But, prayers were answered and they were able to make it through. The mother is working very hard to stop smoking, is reading the Book of Mormon, and has been to Church 3 times now! We are baptizing her daughter and are starting to teach the dad now. Nothing beats seeing a family sitting together in church, happy, and striving towards eternity.

Thanks so much to: the Hammer's for the letter and the jelly beans - cold stone flavor! Sister Tryon for her weekly letters, they make my district laugh. Brother and Sister Adams for your contribution and help in my mission. And Grandma, for your help and also your love and support.

[Mom], how did you know about my choir leading? It is a choir combined of the two branches here in São Gabriel.

Thank you all for everything. I love you all and thank you for your prayers. I am jealous of your snow. It is 90-100 here everyday and I hate sweat.

Com Amor,
Elder Burnham"

Thank you all for your support, love and prayers. Thank you, Margaret-lee, for your mentoring.

Merry Christmas!