FELIZ NATAL!

Wow it was so great to talk to you guys today! It's too bad the SKYPE didn't work but tudo bem. Sister Steinbeigle was able to webcam with her family just fine with out any complications. But It all worked out in the end! I can't believe how much I talked though! Sorry I just sort of couldn't stop. And then you had to go and get all emotional in the end....bummer. I really don't have a lot to say other than it has been an incredible Christmas! I feel so blessed. I thought it was going to be so hard being away from home but the memebrs take good care of us. Christmas is quite different here as they celebrate it the day before at MIDNIGHT! They even open presents on Christmas Eve! Different huh? We only had permission to stay out until 10:30 but the parties and dinner don't even start here until 12:00 in the morning, crazy huh? So we ate alone while the members watched us. A little awkward but it was okay. So as we started to leave the members we were with presented us with such a nice present! They gave us a HUGE gift basket with a ton of stuff!! I couldn't even beleive it! It is so beautiful. My inclination was to give it to someone less fortunate than us but then I realized, well I guess we are pretty unfortunate as we're poor missionaries. So I'll gladly accept free food! hahaha. Then today, Christmas morning, Sister Steinbeigle and I celebrated a nice "American Christmas" together by opening out stockings and things from home. Then we headed to another members house for lunch and they also had presents for us! Lunch was fantastic (as thats the main meal here), we spoke to our families, and we have been enjoying a nice relaxing P-day ever since! I couldn't be happier or feel more blessed. I received many Christmas cards from people at home and I thank everyone of you!!!!!! They are all hung up nicely in our decorated living room! Thank you for remembering me!

As far as the work goes, well since I'm shut up in the house I haven't been doing much as far as proselyting goes. I don't know if I mentioned last week or not but we have been using a lot of our time to make study journals for our investigators. I know, super Sister Missionary-ish right? But actually they turned out super chique! The only real material we have to use are the Ensigns so it took a LOT of effort but we are really pleased and so excited to give them! We have three really REALLY super investigators right now who are progressing so so SO well. Like I am stunned by each one of them. Maybe I have mentioned them? Paulinho and Fabiola are friends who own a graphic design company and were working on a Christmas project for the stake relief soceity. They were so impressed with the project they wanted to learn more about the church! They have just swallowed up everything we have taught them since day one! They even take notes! Have you ever seen anyone take notes during a lesson?? They came to church last week and LOVED it. So now they have two new, adorable, study journals, made with so much love to take their notes in! I am so excited for them. We are also teaching Pricila, a young woman who has so much faith! She also came to church and will continue to go weekly as she was so impressed. I love these people. I want so much to leave and be with them! Teach them and learn from them! But I guess for now I will be patient and do what I can from my apartment, make cute study journals and pray. :) But any little shout outs in your prayers for these incredible individuals would be glady appreciated.

Well I don't really have any novidades other than that! I wish to wish everyone of you a Feliz Natal. I thank you so much for your prayers, love and constant support. I want to leave my testimony with you that I know that our Savior and Redeemer was born in the humblest of circumstances many many years ago. I love that he was first worshipped by the lowliest of people, shepards! He came into this world to save all mankind. He lived a perfect life and established His church here on the earth with the proper preisthood authortiy. He also suffered an incomprehensible amount of pain for each one of us individually. Although he was compeltely devoted to selfless service throughout His life, He was eventually rejected and killed. Three days later He rose from the tomb! I was not there to witness his birth or miracles. But I know with all of my heart that He lives! I feel such an honor and privelege to be here proclaiming His gospel to the world, or at least the people of Sao Paulo. To tell them that yes, He does live! That His gospel, in its fulness is here on the Earth again in all its completeness! May we all remember who this season is truly about and ponder how we can better our lives at the begining of this new year. I love my Savoir, I love my mission, I love each one of you! This is my short testimony (that was really quite hard to do in English!) that I leave with you in the sacred name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

P.S. Mom thanks so much for the whiteout! Isn't that a ridiculous thing to be thankful for? But we NEEDED it and it is really expensive here! Thanks for everything. Amo voces! Tchau!