Feb 18

Dear Family,
Well...the Lord is definitely blessing the work here. This last week, we were able to go to the cartório and mark the civil marriage date of Mara and Gilson for March 14th. Then, they and their three boys (baptism age) will be baptized on the 15th. This process truly was a miracle! We marked their marriage and baptism a while ago to be exactly after Gilson got paid. With back to school expenses and medical check-ups (their 9 yr old is recovering from cancer), they didn´t have the 200 reais to get married. We told them to pray and try to borrow it. We did the same and received the idea to call the 2nd counselor in the Stake Presidency and explain the situation to him. He and his wife are in our ward and so sweet and giving. They ended up giving us the 200 reais and said Mara and Gilson didn´t even have to pay it back! Miracle #1.
We went to the cartório on Monday, but it turned out Gilson´s birth certificate wouldn´t be ready til Friday. So, we marked again for Friday morning. Sister Bulhões and I left the house early so we could be one of the first people in line when the cartório opened. It didn´t end up opening til an hour after we thought, but it was a blessing we were there early because a huge line grew behind us. We got in and got all the documents filled out, money paid, etc. within 40 minutes. Plus, the workers accepted my CTM temporary ID so I could be one of the two witnesses even though I didn´t have Brazilian documentation. Miracle #2.
So, now, we´re just praying for Miracle #3: to be there for the wedding and baptism of this amazingly beautiful family! (The transfer comes out a week before the wedding and baptism). I´ve already asked Pres. Milder about extending the transfer just a week or so, so we´ll see what happens.
We did a Family Night with them a couple nights ago and they loved it! We made a FHE chart for them (complete with moveable name cards) and helped teach them how FHE works. Gilson directed his first FHE and the two year old (Vinicius) gave the closing prayer. It was so beautiful hearing Mara help her son pray to Heavenly Father. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to see the progress of this beautiful family. What a tender mercy from Heavenly Father!
I taught them a few games (incl. Zim Bong that Spencer shared a couple emails ago). They had a blast so thanks, Spence!
Yesterday we had a meeting with Pres. Milder in which he shared what he learned at the last meeting with the Area Presidency. It was wonderful and yet again, I was instructed about all the things I need to change and improve personally and in the missionary work. Thanks, Dad. ;)
Mom--I got your cookies. Thanks! Pres. Milder took a tax of half of them, but Sister Bulhões and I shared the rest. Sister Milder wants the recipe. Could you send it to me? I don´t know how to get ahold of Sister Cavalcante, but I´ll try to call her brother and get her email or phone number for ya.
Emily--Did you receive the email from Jarrett? Have you replied yet? Thanks for the drawings. Now Sister Bulhões calls me ´mad scientist´ from time to time. ;) She thinks you are hilarious! What´s the latest with Mariana?
Aup--Thanks for adding me to the list. I´m excited to get your updates.
Joy--That´s hilarious that you got a Facebook! Hahaha! Thanks for adding me! ;)
Kit and Kev--I absolutely loved the pictures!! It looks like Ryn is in heaven with a new baby sister. Thanks for remembering me.
Love, Sister Ellis III

P.S. Funny Story--While we were waiting in line at the cartório, a man kept on walking by, staring at me. I wanted to go contact him, but by the time I thought of it, he walked around the corner. A couple minutes later, a car pulled up to the curb and motioned me over to the window. The guy was in the passenger seat and apologized for not having the courage to talk to me. Then he asked for my number! HAHAHAHA! It was absolutely hilarious!! He didn´t even tell me his name or ask for mine and still hasn´t called. Isn´t that funny? I couldn´t believe it--no make-up, missionary clothes, hairy legs, etc.