This week I was able to experience the
biggest holiday here in the Rio Grande do Sul......Semana de
Farroupilha. This holiday celebrates the time when the Rio Grande do Sul
rebelled against the rest of Brasil because they wanted to be their own
country. Obviously, they lost this battle, so I don't know why they
celebrate defeat.......but whatever floats their boat. Anyway, it was
pretty awesome (besides the fact that NO ONE wanted to listen to the
missionaries that day). All of the men dress up in traditional Gaúcho
clothing (cowboy hat, boots, bandanas, etc. I will send pictures) and
the women in dresses called prendas. They have this huge parade with
about a billion people on horseback carrying flags of the Rio Grande do
Sul. I think it is a cool tradition. I enjoyed myself! We had District
Meeting that day, so the Elders dressed up in their traditional Gaucho
clothing. I am working on buying all of my traditional Gaucho clothing.
One piece at a time. (I am a poor missionary). BUT, I have a pair of
traditional pants called bombachas and a pair of traditional shoes
called sapatilhas.
One more week until transfers! After 4 months here
in Montenegro, I am kind of looking for a change in scenery, but I will
do whatever the Lord and President Wright want me to do. Also, one more
week until my birthday! Praise the heavens that my birthday fell on
P-Day. I am quite content with that fact!
I am counting down the days until General
Conference! I love it soooo much! I can't decide if these last 6 months
went by fast or not, but I am just happy to be able to hear the words of
the prophets again!
Sister Marques and Sister Castro have said that I
have been talking in my sleep BIG TIME lately. Every night practically.
According to them, I have introduced myself as Sister Barnes, tried to
hold our weekly planning session, and talked about one of Sister
Castro's investigators in my sleep. I am also eating A LOT lately. I
have problems!
This week, a 25 year old guy in my ward got his
mission call. He was baptized 2 years ago and has been working since
then to be able to pay for his mission. However, after he sent his
mission papers in, he soon after heard from Salt Lake saying that they
wouldn't be able to issue his mission call until he lost about 40
pounds. He has been working, exercising, dieting, praying for MONTHS to
lose this weight so he would have the opportunity to serve the Lord.
After months, he had only lost about 20 pounds. I saw him cry multiple
times, discouraged that he would never be able to serve a mission. The
other day, I got a phone call from him. I answered and he said, "I'm
going on a mission to LONDRINA!!!!" (another mish in Brasil). His
mission call came as a surprise in the mail the other day! I am so happy
for him! I know he will make a great missionary because he will not
take a minute of his time on the mission for granted!
Love you all!
Sister Autumn Barnes
McDonald's! Never really liked it at home, but I was in the mood for American Fast Food!
Stuck in a rainstorm!
My district in Gaucho clothing.
My Zone Leader, Elder de Oliveira.
He will be going home in one week. I am wearing bombacha e sapatilhas.
(traditional pants and shoes)
A traditional Prenda dress
Horses in the parade
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