OS CÉUS ESTÃO ABERTOS!

The long awaited visa

"The heavens are open!" Or so wrote Eric after a really big rain storm in a drought stricken area of Brazil. He has been in the country for four months now and is speaking Portuguese, eating rice and beans, and drinking guaraná like a native. Yes, I'm exaggerating here, but he really is embracing the culture and loving the people.

A baptism his first week in Piracicaba

We look forward to Mondays each week because that is the day he emails home. His letters are upbeat and full of cultural tidbits and wonder at his new environment.

He shares his frustrations, but with an attitude of humility and hope. And he includes some spiritual insights and faith building experiences.

Campinas Temple

I'm so glad he has made the choice to go, and to immerse himself in the work of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and serving the people.

Fun times with a companion

As much as I miss him, I am so proud of him!

And I can't wait until Christmas Day when we get to actually speak with him!

You can write to him at the address on the sidebar to the left.

The Grandma Club

Oh, those silly old ladies, bragging about their grandkids! You know what I mean. Well, yessiree--I'm one of them!

Welcome to the world, Baby Hugo!

Hugo Stone
May 29

And here's the moment Emerson first held his little brother:

(Best video ever!)

Brothers

Love this bunch!

Ready, Set...

Getting used to a new do.

Eric is home from BYU. We are now in intense preparation mode to get him ready for Brazil. Yes, he is going to Brazil. Eric has been called to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for two years. He will learn Portuguese and serve the people of Piracicaba.

Before I tell you how pleased, excited and terrified I am, let me just say, this paper work and red tape is crazy! We just sent his fingerprints and forms in to the FBI for a criminal background check. I have sent away for certified copies of important documents. We have had tons of forms notarized. We are now waiting for his passport to arrive so we can get that copied and notarized. Then all those notarized forms have to go to the State Department for authentication. All of this before we can even apply for the VISA.

Then of course there's the wisdom teeth extraction, vaccinations for yellow fever, typhoid, etc. and all the health checks. And we've got lots of shopping to do for the proper missionary gear and whatnot. All you missionary parents know what I'm talking about. We're just one of thousands of missionary families going through this frantic preparation phase.

Maybe it's helping me not dwell on the actual sending-off of my baby to parts unknown (to me, anyway). Pretty sure I'm going to fall apart then, so I need to keep sane now. Wish me luck.

Oh yes, and I'm pleased, excited, and terrified... like I said.

Working 9 to 5

Neil's been volunteering at an assisted living center for several months, but a few weeks ago he was officially hired as a part-time activities assistant. He works a full shift for either one or two days each week. He loves it and is good at what he does. He's been assigned to the memory care unit. Some of his activities are:

Leading the residents in stretching and chair exercises.
Reading to them.
Playing games with them. (Balloon Ball is a favorite!)
Asking trivia questions.
Reminiscing.
Coloring pages.
Bingo.

Sounds like fun, eh?

Bravo to the kind and caring staff at the Springs for entrusting Neil with this position and for giving him the chance to work!