Its been hot! The past 3 days got up to 38 degrees C which is right at 100 F. Sun block was just enough to keep me from sun burn. I'm actually not super white anymore. A great tan line from my white shirts! Yesterday marked my 4th month in Brazil. 2 in São Paulo and 2 in Rio de Janeiro. May seems like such a long long time ago. A great week with a baptism yesterday and a special meeting in Flamengo. Flamengo is a part of the city Rio de Janeiro in the state of Rio de Janeiro which is my whole mission. We were there for a meeting with our Mission President and training. Flamengo is super close to the Cristo Redentor (big Jesus statue). I've been teaching my Brazilian companion a little bit of English and its been interesting. You never think about how many words you know until you have to learn them all again. I'm doing great with Portuguese for my 4 month mark. I've got a long way to go with understanding everyone but its been a great, challenging experience. Hopefully you´ve seen the different pictures on Fbook so far. I'm hoping to send a bunch of pics soon. I've got a lot of pics of the MTC in São Paulo, other missionary friends and my area here in Irajá.

*Drum roll* Spiritual Thought of the Week! So I was reading a talk by President Henry B. Eyring from this past General Conference called "Family Under Covenant" (or something close to that. The name might be slightly different in Portuguese). He talked about the wonderful blessings that we are able to recieve as families and the importance of this. One thing that stood out to me most was towards the end, he talked about 4 things that fathers can do to help their families return to our Heavenly Father together. First was to have a firm testimony that the leaders of the church and our prophet today, have the keys and power to help us recieve these blessings. Second, for every husband to love his wife. Third, for each member of the family to grow in love and unity together. Fourth and last, for fathers to chastise and correct with love. I loved this talk and the inspired counsel of an apostle of the Lord. I love my family so very much and know that our Savior and Heavenly Father want every to be with their families for eternity. "Families can be together forever, through Heavenly Father's plan. I always want to be with my own family and the Lord has shown me how I can. The Lord has shown me how I can."

I hope that everyone has had a great week and enjoyed my short update of thoughts and shenanigans here in Brazil.

Rice and beans,

Jared