So I just realized that March 19th came and went and I didn’t even acknowledge it. Why is this an important day you may ask. March 19th was the day, a number of years ago, I was on my way to Brazil to begin an adventure of a lifetime. It was in Brazil: I fell in love with South America for the first time. I learned that a home is not complete without a blender and a compression pan. I learned the proper way to prepare rice and beans. I discovered maracuja and several different kinds of bananas and mangos. I fell in love with Brazilian food and have never completely been satisfied with American cooking since. (aka. processed foods) I learned that art of clapping at the gate. I discovered the value of stamps and envelopes. I learned to converse in Portuguese. I learned that the spirit can be present and family can be happy even if the home is made of rough boards and a dirt floor. I learned what it meant to labor with all my heart, mind, soul. I learned what it meant to suffer. I learned to keep going on when everything seemed to be going against us. I learned to work HARD and pray even harder. I learned to follow the spirit. I learned to love, love, love.
Everything I experienced and learned there has prepared me for today and for what the future may bring. (Family, trials, life…you name it, I can handle it. Even grad school.) I guess its because it was in Brazil where I really learned and experienced where my strength truly lies.
So often I get to thinking about everything I loved about Brazil and serving as a missionary and it makes me want to go back to those days. Here are a few of the many memories.
My favorite P-day retreat. Cachoeira do Franca.
Surprise birthday party the Juquitiba Branch threw for me. Juquitiba. My home away from home. And my heart is still there. 
