April 8

Dear Fabulous Family,

Well...4 new sisters arrived yesterday and the biggest shock of all is that I am going to train one of them! AHH!! Talk about butterflies in your stomach...:) I know Heavenly Father knows what He´s doing and that He will magnify my abilities. I don´t know her name yet, but we´ll pick them up in a couple hours.

So, I only stayed with Sister Barboza for about 3 weeks. :( She´s so sweet and I´ve really loved being her companion. We worked really well together. The happy news is that we are going to be living together still (we both are going to be training the newbys). After almost 7 months in Cuiabá, I´m moving to another area! Crazy! I´m excited for this new chapter in my life and mission, but it is bitter sweet saying goodbye (as you all know). We are moving to Verdão. We went looking for apartments Monday and Tuesday (hahaha--good old memories of SW) and finally found one that is finishing being remodeled. It´s a really cute green color (freshly painted) and on the fourth floor in a very safe condominium with 24 hr guard watch. We will move in Monday. I´m really excited! The members seem really helpful in Verdão. The bishop´s first counselor and ward mission leader helped us a lot looking for apartments. (What a blessing to have a ward family wherever you go in the Church!) I´m also excited for the challenge this new area represents (apparently they haven´t baptized a lot recently). I´m excited to fire up these members! They still meet in a house, but already have the land to build the chapel. Now it´s our privilege to baptize more people to fill up the future chapel!

So...Dad, when you come, do you want to go teaching with me and my companion? Live up the old days? I think it´d be a blast! And it´s always good to teach lessons with members, right...? Mom--are you coming too? I thought I was going to get transfered out of the stake so I wouldn´t see yall when you came, but I´m still in the stake!

I was hoping someone could send me a penn drive. This makes a lot more sense to save my mission pics on because it´ll be less money and hassle than buying and finding a place to burn CDs every time my 1 GB memory card fills up. Could someone send me a pen drive please? Thanks!

Congrats, Darrell! I know you´re going to give excellent service to your ward. You are a hard worker and the Lord will help you wiht the needed inspiration. That´s awesome about your calling, Joy! Hahaha! 4:30am is kinda rough, but I have faith that the Lord will give you the strength you need. You´re an amazing woman! How´s the organ playing coming?

Kit--Could you send me 2 copies of that pregnancy picture of you and Kev in the snow wearing black? Sister Bulhões and I wanted a copy. :) Thanks!

John--Congrats on BYU! That´s my vote cus then we could study together! AWW...:)

How were the baby blessings? Thank you all for the emails and updates. Emily--thanks for the drawing. It is very bonitinha! ;) How have you been? How was the quick trip for Conference?

Love, Sister Ellis

P.S. Could someone pass along the message to Abby that I would love to hear from her when she gets a spare minute? Thanks!
P.P.S. Rob--Did you know Joey Stocking got engaged?! How crazy is that that Carnivorous is going to be a married man?!! HAHAHA! I´m really happy for him.