April 6th

We new that Parker would be leaving the MTC (CTM in Brazil) in Sao Paulo and going out into the field somewhere in Rio de Janeiro. His P-day in the CTM was on Monday, the 5th. He wrote that he was packing and would email us when he could. On the 5th, 6th and 7th of April, Rio had the largest rains it has had in 46 years. Streets of the city were flooded, mudslides in the hills and about 100 people were dead or missing. It's funny because I, the mom, knew that where ever he was he was safe, Heavenly Father would take care of him. I wasn't too worried about him.

We finally heard from him on April 11th. He was in Rio and he wrote, "I made it to Brazil (Rio) alive! Even though I had to wake up at 3am, the flight was delayed for about 6 hours, my luggage nearly lost. They couldn't find my 24 kilo luggage until 5 minutes before I left the airport (I was there for 2 hours?) so JUST in the nick of time. So, I made it!

We were greeted at that airport by the AP's with open arms. they are really nice and the drive to the mission home was crazy. The flight was delayed, because of the rain. The record before was 150mm about 10 years ago. The past 2 days its rained 188 mm! The taxi would drive through 'lakes' in the road! haha! Scary!!!

There are a lot of tunnels because of all the mountains. They are super steep and just thinner that Utah mountains. I couldn't see the Jesus Cristo because of all the crazy fog! But I saw Epinima beach (like the song ' the girl from Epinima'?) I guess its popular.. or something... so far I love it here! My Mission President and his family are super nice and Sister Bazzedo cooks very well... I'm stuffed with all sorts of food and cream cakes!