For the Americans from Brazil,

Well the week really flew by. Im really thankful that during their winter here, it doesnt rain very much! Im not really looking forward to all the rain in their summer. Its been beautiful outside though. Im getting some sun but Im still super pale compared to 90% + of the people here haha. I had different people ask me this week if I was German and someone else asked if I was Spanish. And another lady thought I was 28. A couple funny experiences for sure. Sometimes I feel about 4 because the kids speak better Poruguese than I do haha but it is improving a lot! Almost 1 month out of the MTC and Im feeling great about my Porutuguese. My reading comprehension is way hgher than my understanding when people speak but it will all come in time of course. I love learning the similarities between Portuguese and English. Its weird though because they dont really have words for RANDOM and AWKWARD. We use these all the time in english but its fun to find the differences. We say that things are cool when its fun or awesome. Cool doesnt make sense but we know what it means. Here, they say something is legal. Doesnt exactly make sense but legal is their equivalent for cool. We met with several families this week and talked about how we can strengthen our families through, faith, prayer, scriptures, church attendance and other things. The best part is seeing the lives of people change for the better!

So my spiritual thought for today is about the important things in our lives. Whats most important in our lives? Our families, friends, God, beliefs and morals and whatever else for you personally. There are a lot of distractions in our lives and its so easy to lose time and spend our time doing stuff that doesnt really matter. 2nd Nephi 9:51 has become one of my favorite scriptures on my mission so far. Its so important for us not to waste our time, resources and no value. Feast upon that which perisheth not! Our families, beliefs and especially our Father in Heaven and Savior Jesus Christ, will never leave us. Focus on the things that matter most and be happy! Good, better, best.

I hope you´re all enjoying the end of your summers and the heat in the US! I think of you guys often and hope that this blog/journal entry thingies aren´t too boring! I love you and hope to hear from you soon!

Incense and peppermint,

Elder Jared Knotts