White Christmas

 Downtown Patos de Minas from a distance

Batismo do Butina! (do Edson):

  

  

It's finally time to open it!

Christmas joy (w/o flash kk) 

 Christmas joy (with flash)

 Batismo do Helio!

 Merry Christmas from Zona Patos de Minas!

 Feliz Natal!

 Animados pra caramba!

 Irmão Edinho tá cansado kk

Christmas lunch, Almoço de Natal

This was a special Christmas! I think a white Christmas by snow here in Patos de Minas is nearly impossible, but this year we had a white Christmas by baptism! Edson, who’s more commonly known by his nick-name, Butina (Boo-CHEE-na, kind of weird in English, I know kk), was baptized on Christmas Eve—na vespera de Natal! His best friend Gabriel got baptized about two months ago, and although he initially had no desire to visit the church, he eventually came to the sound conclusion that it was the right thing for him. I think he looks like a Brazilian version of Dallin haha.

The next day, Christmas Day, the sisters of our branch also had a baptism, a great man called Helio. It was a neat experience to witness people entering into a covenant with the Lord during the commemoration of the Savior’s birth!

Even though it was Christmas week and lots of people were traveling, we worked hard to find and teach people. It was nice being able to relax and Christmas Day knowing that we had worked hard all week.

Christmas Eve we had an amazing little dinner with Irma Ivanilda, a sweet old lady who loves us missionaries. She served us so well to help us feel like we were at home, and I admired her example of charity.

Certainly the best part of the week was……SKYPE!!!!! It was incredible being able to talk to you guys—Dallin in Portugal (speaking some Portuguese with him was so fun!) and Dad, Mom, Tyler, Heidi, Natalie, Katie, and Bryce at home. I love and miss you all so much! I hope Mother’s Day comes quick so we can Skype again J.

I hope everyone had an awesome Christmas! I miss spending the Christmas season in the US with the family, but I sure am glad I’m here.

Feliz Natal para todos e Feliz Ano Novo!

Elder Anderson