For everyone,

Its been super hot almost every day this week. Its gotten up to over 100 F almost every day and 112 on Saturday. Definitely the hottest I've ever experienced! Its almost time for transfers and Christmas is almost here. I'll be able to skype my family for Christmas so of course I'm excited for that. We talked to a lot of people this week about the Christmas season and what they really want for their families. Almost everyone says health which I totally understand with how hot its been. I've been here in Brazil for 7 months and of course its flown by. The semester for school is almost over for you guys and its weird to think about where I was, what I was doing and how cold it was a year ago from today. I havent seen it yet but I hope everyone gets a chance to see the Christmas Devotional on the church website lds.org. I heard it was really good. We have our Christmas dinner at church Saturday so I'm pumped for that. Yesterday was Stake Conference so we had church in a different area with almost 600 members of the church. It was really nice to meet a bunch of other members from other near by cities. 

Spiritual thought today is about faith. For me, faith helps to overcome doubts, questions and fear of things we dont understand. Many times its difficult to believe in something you cant see or dont understand. It can be difficult to look at the future with hope that problems will get better. Faith, which is believing with out seeing, helps us to have confidence in Jesus Christ and that He will help us as long as we are obedient and humble in our struggles. Its difficult to have faith when walking on a weak bridge. We can have confidence in God and His perfect Son. Christ is a sure foundation whereon if men build, they can not fall.

Well I hope you're enjoying the cold of winter in the US. Summer is just getting started here and I hope you have a great week.

Mysterious as the dark side of the moon,

Elder Jared Knotts