Brazil JDF mission visit, day 9

Brazil...day 9. Started with a cloudy day in Lafaiete and a visit to the Christ statue there. Crazy steep roads everywhere in this city. 

Then a drive back to Juiz de Fora and the view from our hotel here in the city. 

Finally, we were able to have dinner with President Lacerda and his wife and family...plus a surprise for Ethan of his former companion Elder Pereira as well. An amazing night with wonderfully inspired and righteous servants of the Lord. The love was strong in that apartment tonight. Sacred times here in JDF Brazil!

Brazil JDF mission visit, day 8

Brazil...day 8. Full day in Lafaiete. Spent the morning like a missionary p-day doing laundry, mailing a package, and some shopping. Met up with Juliano and Vanessa for lunch and treats, then visited Lilian and Doug, Mhara and Rinato, and finally Jonathan. Great families...such loving people.

Brazil JDF mission visit, day 7

Brazil...day 7. Met up with Roane who guided us to Lavras Novas and some fun waterfalls there. The first waterfall was named Three Shots and the second was Lovers Waterfall. Both beautiful waterfalls and adventurous drives. Dave has been a super star with driving here! Then a great lunch at Gabiru with an English musician playing 80s hits. Then finished the night by crashing YM/YMs at the Lafaiete 1st ward. Such amazing youth and energy. What a great day!

Brazil JDF mission visit, day 6

Brazil day 6. Crazy drive (technically trip advisor map did get us there, but we went the long and bumpy way) to a super hard hike/climb. Caledonia Peak...a super steep cobblestone road hike to a 675 stair staircase to the most amazing views of Nova Friburgo and surroundings areas. Truly the top of the world and above the clouds!! My knees are jello and all our quads and calfs were shaking from the climb up and back down. Then a 6 hour drive to Conselheiro Lafaiete for our next 3 days. We will sleep well tonight!

**Funny story.  After we got back to the car and had completed the hike Ethan told us the following story:  When he was serving there they were in town one day and talked to a tour guide about doing the Caledonia hike.  She asked them how physically fit they were and were they hikers.  They told her how they walked everywhere they went and usually walked 6-10 hours a day up and down the street and hills of Nova Friburgo.  She told them, "ah, no...we suggest that you be an avid sportsman, playing a physically active sport 2-3 times a week to make that hike"  So I guess that made me feel better about how hard this hike was for me.  It truly is one of those things I'm so glad I did, but it was super hard!

Brazil JDF mission visit, day 5

Brazil day 5. Exploring Lumiar area near Nova Friburgo. We drove thru the forrest down a dirt and rock road to find Indiana Jones waterfall...quite the experience (poor rental car). Then on to Encontros dos Rios where 2 large rivers meet in a beautiful rocky area. Finished the afternoon by treating Elder Minani, Elder Rodriguez, Elder Souza, and Elder Cordeiro to Chimarron...an all you can eat BBQ! All and all an adventurous and fun day!

Brazil JDF mission visit, day 4.

Brazil...day 4. Sunday. Amazing experience to accompany Ethan (aka Elder Smith) to church in Nova Friburgo. It was obvious how much the members loved him and were so excited to see him again. And his smile...his reciprocated love of the ward members here. It was a true testament of service and genuine love. Hugs, kisses, smiles, warm embraces! A true Sabbath! Followed by THE BEST Brazilian BBQ at Fernanda and Wandel's! We ate and ate and ate! Muito delicioso!

Brazil JDF mission visit, day 3

Day three we started with a visit to the famous Christ the Redeemer statue...wow!  The views of Rio from up there are breathtaking.  The photos don't begin to capture the beauty and the expansive views all around.  An amazing place! 

After our visit to the Christ Redeemer statue, we took our first drive to an area that Ethan served in...Nova Friburgo.  We were able to see the neighborhoods and areas that he walked and taught.  And we were able to visit with Jerson and Leandro in their home.  Jerson and Leandro were people Elder Smith taught and saw through baptism and as new members in Nova Friburgo.

We ended the day by visiting a young family.  We met Daniel and Paula and their adorable daughter Eliza.  These were members in the ward where Ethan served that he came to love.  It was so amazing to meet these kind people and share their memories of the time Ethan served there.