My friends -- I officially survived my first week in Petrolina.
It was a weird week, because we moved houses halfway through. Now we're in a much older, roomier house. It's very full of mosquitos, but feels much more home-y. And friends, what they say is true. It is HOT here. Not humid hot like Bahia. It is DRY. And dusty. And HOT. But it is fantastic! I'm so excited to work here!
Sunday was testimony meeting (an opportunity for anyone to get up and talk about their feelings about Christ, the church, etc.), and I got up to bear my testimony and introduce myself to my new ward.
"I've heard tell that missionary work here in Petrolina is different," I said to the full chapel of eager faces, in my comfortable but still American Portuguese. "I heard that here, the members don't help the missionaries. The missionaries help the members."
I'm now seeing that this is true.
I love the adventures and miracles I've already seen. The Church is true and changes lives.
I LOVE YOU ALL!
Sister Petty
P.S. Please look for farinha de mandioca. If it doesn't exist in the US, I will cry.
Love reading your letters, Anne! Keep up the great missionary work! (And yes, you can get Manioc flour in the US - although depending on where you live, you may need to mail order.)
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