Sao Paulo

We spent a short 24 hours in Sao Paulo. We saw some cool cars we thought Josh would appreciate, had lunch at a really good place that I felt very undressed for (which is maybe one of the reasons why I look so awkward in the picture), and admired the view from our hotel room: buildings, buildings, and more buildings. I couldn't believe how big the city was! 

The highlight of Sao Paulo was meeting up with two of Nate's mission companions: Elder Lima and Elder Olivieda. Nate saw Elder Lima when he was in Brazil last year and was so happy to see him again. I was so happy too to meet him and his fiance Dany. Elder Olivieda and his wife Evelyn have come to Utah a couple of times and it was great to connect with them again. They were all so sweet to us and most of them spoke English which meant I could participate in the conversation without Nate having to translate everything for me. It was a really great night! The next day I went to the temple in Campinas while Nate was in meetings. I was hoping to go to the temple in Sao Paulo where Nate's mission president is the temple president, but the temple was closed and President and Sister Silva were visiting family in the states. So, Nate arranged for their driver to take me to Campinas about an hour away (2 hours in traffic). I was nervous about not being able to communicate with anyone and about getting back in time to catch our flight, but I was so glad I went. The driver was a little late picking me up, so I missed the only session I could've done and I missed the only sealer that works there, but I was able to do initiatory. A sweet temple worker who spoke English showed my around and took me where I needed to go. I've done initiatories enough that I was able to follow along. When I was done, I had lunch in the cafeteria (which was serving rice and beans--I love Brazilian rice and beans). As I sat there watching all the temple workers and patrons, I was so touched by how the church and temple work is the same anywhere in the world. I was so glad I was able to go! And even with the traffic, I made it back in time to meet Nate and catch our flight to Salvador.