Just another manic Monday

 Monday March 30. Back to the routine. By now everyone knows I walk then head for work so I will try to just start there. I had various things to learn using a spreadsheet app to prepare for serving in the MTC. I actually figured that one out on my own, but needed some help learning how to save addresses on my uber app. We kept busy until lunch then it was time to have English class but no one showed. Brazilians have a struggle with agendas and commitments. They expect to be able to learn just because they desire without realizing that after years they still will be learning. We left for home a bit early and went to Sam’s Club for our biweekly purchases of hamburger, potatoes, carrots, onions, bacon and today pickles. We had 3 hours before FHE. Grandma took a nap and I just read. We headed back and I stopped to take a photo. I tried to just take a normal photo of her in front of flowers but got one where it appears the flower is in her hair. Appears almost professional.

We had a good time there then headed home as it was sprinkling but we beat the rain. Good day. Love to all.

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M T C

 Sunday March 29. Today I was up and walking early. Because we need to leave early I have to pass on the long walks of Sunday mornings. Grandma wore her new dress.

We got all ready and called an uber to go to the MTC. Arriving there we gained access and then waited until the mission president talked to us. In his office hang two original paintings done by the grandfather of Sister Barcellos who is our friend and former mission president’s wife.

Remember the talk about the box, and how we tend to forget the pearl which is the important part and the box’s reason for being made. Also the two missionaries praying. Well some meetings later we were set apart to work in the English branch at the MTC Brazil. Some training, a quick lunch and then home. A nice diesel jeep type vehicle. 

We called all the kids and had a good time. Drew helped realign my phone. It’s good of him to show so much patience. Great day. Fun to be around young missionaries. Love to all.

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Grandma needs a new dress

 Saturday March 28. Today I opted out of the walk in the garage and instead headed to the feira by myself. It is a bit of a climb up the hill so grandma wanted me to go and get bananas, pineapple, and tomatoes. So I went early and had a quick trip and back home. I was able to walk fast and didn’t have a really heavy pack coming home. Grandma was almost ready when I arrived back so soon we were on the metro headed for Republica. This is the place where I visited 50 years ago as I mentioned in one of my former blogs with the tall old angled buildings. We walked around looking at all the stuff for sale, but grandma was there to buy a new dress and a shoulder bag.

We got our purchases taken care of and headed back. Surprisingly the metro was not overly crowded it being a Saturday and all. Arriving back at our station we took the time to cross the street and buy groceries. We still got home in time for lunch. Later I decided to do a circle down where I found monkeys but came away empty. Cool classic ford pickup but lousy photographer.

Grandma cleaned the apartment and we had some cake. Pretty good day. As far as work goes we have it all caught up in both departments. At least the work we have been trained to do. Not all bad as now we should be out and about more. Not sure if it’s to get us out of the way or cause they need us. We’ll take it. Love to all.

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Beautiful weather

 Friday March 27. It is a beautiful day.

While walking laps this morning I noticed a bicyclist trying to pedal up the mountain up from the gate. He had to get off and walk it up.

Arriving at work we soon realized we weren’t needed. We were prepared and headed for the metro. We changed lines once and soon we were back in Japan Liberdade. As the name implies it has an oriental theme. We walked through several mini malls and even bought kitchen magnets. Grandma wants to go back sometime and buy a new skirt.

Coming home we went to work and soon we were going home. I cooked tacos tonight. We had lettuce left over. Carrots and lettuce don’t seem to keep well in the fridge. The wearher has been nice all day and it is nice to look out the window. Love to all.

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Temple and rain

Thursday March 26. Today we were off to work and when we had free time we headed to the temple.

It is open again after two weeks for maintenance. The people here in Brazil are more relaxed than other places. They take more time than I am used to and probably there is something to be learned there. We finished up and returned to work and after lunch taught our English class. We have two students now. It was fun. I needed to run over to the doctor’s office to get a receipt for last Monday. So I also bought bread, eggs, and lettuce. I am trying to eat the food we have in stock before buying more. As I was leaving the mall it started to rain not hard until just before arriving back at the office when it really picked up. Grandma was waiting in the lobby and we sat for half an hour while it just poured rain. After that we walked home able to step across the small streams by each curb.

We arrived home not real wet. My pack is amazing everyone here wants to buy one. It has a rain fly in a small bottom pocket. It is orange colored but works great I use it in the rain and it works great. For supper we had a salad and beef stew from the freezer. I am always amazed at how good it tastes and how much grandma eats which proves it is really good.  The rain quit early and it was a peaceful night. Love to all.

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Fute volley

 Wednesday March 25. Back to work. Some of the education department wanted to go back to that pria restaurant for feijoada. Pria means beach and feijoada is sort of like chili with different seasonings and more meat. I like it.

It was really good and with 2 drinks came to $12.77. Now fute volley is different. There is a mound of sand and to serve you put the ball on the mound and kick it over the net which is lower than regular volleyball. You use your chest, head, and feet to return the serve with up to three hits.the play going on was a class teaching some technique.

Then back to work. Rain was predicted so at 4:00 we headed home. The rain didn’t come yet. I made pizza and with time on my hands and not enough steps went to the garage for 8 laps. Picture of a motorcycle (moto) there. This is one that sells reasonably cheap.

Now it started to rain. Each Wednesday night there is a feira inside our compound.

We have bought cheddar cheese there but it runs $14.00 per kilo or $6.10 a pound so we keep it in the freezer for tacos. Busy day. Love to all.

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Favela

 Tuesday March 24.

Today we have things to do. First the walk then to work. But at work we got our next four weeks schedule. We have to visit projects every week. Some will require flying. But after planning a bit the next step is going out today. We traveled to a favela. Favelas are ramshackle buildings all joined together going up steep hills where no one else has built. They just add on more walls to the ones already there and build a lower level. The roads are so steep cars struggle or can’t go up them. Looking at them from across they appear like stairs only the stairs are the roofs. They mostly appear unfinished or under construction. The power lines are wild. The people just hook into the power lines and the water lines and the sewer lines.

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They have no address no insurance no taxes no power or water or sewer bills. The wiring is like everyone hooks another extension cord and then it gets split and then split again over and over. But it seems to work great. They are surviving and actually do amazingly well. But it is a cycle hard to break. Sort of reminds me of a reservation at first. Not a lot of cars many motos. Everyone walks. They have stores and cafes and bars and I saw one used clothing store. There was a huge used motorcycle sales and repair. Hundreds of motos. The people walk real slow up those steep paths. Close to 45 degrees. When we pulled in to park changing directions one wheel was off the road. The place we visited had 6 levels. Each level about 30 by 40 feet and depending on the size needed landings on the steep stairs. The steps were different heights sometimes stepping up 10 inches or so. The one we visited is a school/child care, and also provided a few jobs. They recycle clothes. Making lots out of denim and wedding dresses. The church donated a stove, refrigerator, mixer, washer dryer and pans.

Our visit was to check to see if they were still there and being used. I just kept looking at everything. It was well maintained and painted. The kids range from 4 to 14. Many are brought by their grandmother. Most girls have babies at 12 or 13. This is like an independent country. The people live by their own laws and have organized like tribes. But in ways they do better than us. I didn’t see any fat people, but no old ones either. Grandma and I would not make it a day. We would fall or injure ourselves. The uber or taxi drop you off at the bottom or the top if both are accessible. We had a member driver who drove us in. The people look good just more laid back. I don’t want to go on and on so enough. Lots of pictures. We traveled back and soon headed home.  Tonight Hunter and JJ called. Good to hear from them. Love to all.

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