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. 

BRAZIL!

Nate and I have talked about going to Brazil for as long as we've been married. When he had the chance to go last year for work, I really wanted to go, but it wasn't the right time. So when he got the chance to go again for work, I knew I had to go. We got everything ready (starting with my passport, visa and babysitters) and as it got closer, I got more and more nervous. But, I also got more and more excited. I couldn't believe we (and especially me) were actually going! I had never left the country and I also had never left the kids for that long. I am so, so glad that in spite of the nervousness, I decided and had the opportunity to go. It was truly the trip of a lifetime! And thanks to my mom and Janet, my niece Alyson, and our neighbor Malia who all watched our kids, we were able to go.

Our first stop was Rio de Janeiro. I had always heard what an incredible place Rio is and it is! It is beautiful! Our first night we had dinner at an investor's house. He was hosting the conference Nate was down there to attend. His house was up in the mountains outside Rio and was so beautiful! We spent the next day sightseeing in Rio. We saw the Christ the Redeemer statue, hiked and rode the tram up to Sugar Loaf, ate lots of good food (and juices--my favorite part), went to a Samba bar, and relaxed on Copacabana Beach. It was awesome!