March 11

Yesterday we had a miracle in finding Mariza´s house. Her mom gave permission for her to be baptized after many prayers and fasts, but then took it away again. So, Sister Bulhões and I made a chocolate cake and bought guaranã and took it as a peace offering. (Her baptism is scheduled for Saturday 14th--Mariza´s birthday). I know a miracle can happen so long as we exercise faith (2 Ne. 27:23). I have been studying Mormon 9. It is so sad how he says that if miracles have stopped in our day, it is because the children of men lack faith in God. So...we were trying to find her house and had to walk through this jungle passageway on the edge of this smelly little river. It was quite the experience! We didn´t even know if it was the right way, but in the end, we came out right in front of her house! Truly a blessing. Sister Bulhões took a picture of the passageway we took and I´ll save it to my CD today.

Another blessing: I was contacting a man at the bus stop when our bus came. It only passes once every 30-40 minutes. We´ve been teaching Mariza adn Yasmin after their school at noon in the park by their school. Sister Bulhões hopped on and was calling me. I tried to finish the contact as quickly as possible, but by the time I turned around, the bus was already driving away!! Sister Bulhões mouthed ´RUN´ in Portuguese. I obeyed. Hahaha! I ran after the bus in my dress with my bulky bag, down the main highway in Cuiabá, hitting the side of the bus for the driver to know I was there and by way of a plea for him to let me on. Sister Bulhões had been telling him that we couldn´t be separated and the guy who takes the money was giving a play by play about how I was running after the bus, etc. Miraculously, the driver´s heart was softened and he opened the door for a split second--just enough time for me to jump in. As soon as I stepped in, he stepped on the gas again. Whew! It truly was a miracle! Hahaah! I wish I had a video of so many things on my mission to go back and watch. It definitely was quite the scene with everyone on the bus gaping out the windows, etc.

Thank you all for the emails. I love you all so very much. But, I would like to repeat that I do not need nor want any forwards. Time is much to short on PDay. I would rather here your own words, dear family, or see pictures of you rather than random things. Thank you though for thinking of me. Thank you for taking me off your forward mailing lists.

John, how was your birthday, long lost brother? I hope you had fun and are enjoying your 3 adorable kids. How´s Celeste? Did she get my letter and present?

Kit--Thanks for the adorable drawings from Ryn and Elle and the picture and homemade frame. It warmed my heart so! I am so blessed to have such adorable, loving neices! (And a very loving, thoughtful sister to think of me). :) Thank you! It is sitting on my desk for me to look at every day.

So...are there cadbury eggs yet there? The easter eggs are starting to get put up in the super markets here. Do they do that in Portugal, Spence? I love easter!! Unfortunately, the eggs are too expensive for my reduced budget so I won´t be buying one. If I could, I´d buy a Sonho de Valsa one. But, if anyone gets sick of having too many cadbury eggs lying around, I will sacrifice and eat them for you. ;) Hahaha!
Love, Sister Rachel Ellis