Sister Nickel Returns!

Sister Shae Nickel arrived today after recuperating at home in Utah for 6 months with a broken foot. We are so excited to have her back. Bem Vindo de Novo!!

Merry Christmas!

Four missionaries headed home today to give their parents the greatest Christmas gifts ever - themselves. They all served honorably. Elder Goncalves finished up in Paranagua, Elder Monteiro was in Timbu as zone leader, Elder Silva was training a new missionary and Elder Paiva served 3 months with us while awaiting his call to serve. He received his mission call and will be leaving in February for the Nordeste of Brazil.

New Missionaries for Christmas!

A new group of excited, wonderful missionaries arrived today. It was a pleasure to greet them and have lunch with them in the mission home. They come from all parts of Brazil and will do an excellent work. (l to r in white shirts: Elderes de Oliveira, Costa, Pereira, L. Santos, Pinheiro, Lima Santos, Lima, Martins)

Brasil Curitiba Christmas Mission Conference

Today we had a fantastic Christmas Mission Conference. When we first arrived we had everyone in the Chapel. It was the first time we had the opportunity to see all of the missionaries in one place at the same time. It was overwhelming. Tears filled our eyes to see this wonderful group of dedicated young men and women singing Christmas hymns and worshiping together. Wow! I will include a few more pictures from the conference. We had mini lessons in the morning and then a Christmas dinner fit for a king. After dinner we had a small gift exchange. Each missionary brought a $R5.00 gift and we formed a huge circle in the cultural hall. Pres. Cordon told a story about a family and each time he said right or left, the gifts were passed. It was very fun. We then reenacted the Nativity with lots of music, carols, and acting. This is a family tradition which was fun to share with the missionaries.

And it came to Pass...

Christmas Dinner

Christmas Mission Conference

Mini Lessons before Christmas dinner.