The Astonishing Adventures of Sister Hannah Hiatt

This week's miracle came about because of cake (as so many do). The ward had an activity where all the guys had to make cake (without any help from the women) and it was really funny (and very delicious). We got there a little early and found the chapel locked, so both companionships were waiting in front of the building, talking to two members, when two girls came up to us and asked if we were people from the church. Naturally we said "yes" and started talking. They said that they had been looking for a church since they moved here a few months ago and hadn't yet found one they liked. They were walking home when they saw us (in our skirts and name tags) and figured that we could help. They asked where our church was and we got to do a really dramatic reveal to show that it was, in fact, right behind us (it was kinda dark so they didn't notice before). We invited them to look around and come to the activity, and they accepted eagerly. We showed them the sacrament ...

Portuguese Grammar Lesson: The word "por" (por/pelo/pela) in Portuguese is pretty all-purpose. Depending on context, it can mean "for," "by," "in place of," "to," etc. Generally speaking, it's not too hard to figure out which word it means, but out of context, once in a while there is confusion. For example: "batismos pelos mortos" can refer to the sacred ordinance where people are baptized using the name of their ancestors, because to be saved everyone needs to have faith, repent, and be baptized in the correct form and only those with earthly bodies can be baptized. However, "batismos pelos mortos" could also mean that the baptisms were performed by the dead. Like, zombies were wading out into the river and baptizing people.  In unrelated news, we've had some interesting conversations with certain people we're teaching. Zombies aside, this week we had a really sweet experience. We met this girl on the...

Not much happened this week except that I got sick (turns out it does get chilly here in winter... and I have since contracted a cold). All's good but this email will be kinda short. Very short, in fact. Sorry about the pictures last week; I have since adjusted the share settings and I think everyone should be able to see them... *fingers crossed*. Hopefully these will go through, too.  This has been your obligatory weekly update. Tune in next week where I'll tell some awesome stories and share some super spiritual experiences. Until then, remember: God made you special, and He loves you very much. Love y'all, miss y'all, that's all Sister Hiatt P.S. Send me tissues... I've run out. Again. Sister Hannah Hiatt Av Dr. Luís Rocha Miranda, 159 8º Andar Jabaquara 04344-010 São Paulo - SP Brazil

So this week's adventure has been getting to know my new companion and not getting too ridiculously lost in the area. So far it's been awesome and we've met a ton of awesome people. First, I would like to introduce Sister Marchioni. She's from Chile which means her native language is Spanish, but she speaks Portuguese with almost no accent and is also conversational in English. If Sister K. Souza was the Brazilian Mary Poppins, Sister Marchioni is Audrey Hepburn. Seriously. She's adorable and very chic (it was several days before I saw her without eyeliner... ela é sempre muito chic). She is super warm and loving toward all of the people we're teaching and it is honestly a joy to be around her. Oh, and did I mention? She just left training. Seriously. Like, she has spent barely three months in the field. In short, I'm very impressed. The area is also awesome. We met the ward yesterday and it really reminded me of home. There are a lot of people and every...