After a restless night of sleep (dogs, fireworks, etc.), we woke to what looked a beautiful day - the first of the new year. The District missionary cancelled from yesterday was rescheduled for today. The bus was just pulling into the bus station as we arrived. Merl hurriedly purchased our tickets and we boarded the bus. Not very many on the bus today - most everyone must have been home in bed after the festivities of the night before.
As we arrived at the Gramado church, we were greeted by the Sister missionaries with a "New Year" card and a chocolate. Their wish for us can be found in D&C 75:4-5. The Sisters bring a great spirit to missionary work. Elder Piccini had the responsibility for the English game - a competition between two missionaries alternating responses to a topic (foods, animals, colors). Each missionary had to think of the English words (and not duplicate). He had Merl and I stand in front and gave us the topic of numbers which we had to say in Portuguese. Merl won.Elder Munoz gave the lesson on the attributes needed for perfection, and the techniques of developing these attributes. He then had each person introduce themselves as five of the ten missionaries were new to the area. When I understood what they were doing, I quickly started to write down something to say. I knew that if I didn't, I would have nothing to say. It was a good opportunity to find out if anyone could understand me. Here we go: "Eu nome e Kathlyn. Eu sou dos Estados Unitas, Twin Falls, Idaho. Nos têm un templo novo. Nos têm seis filhos e vinte seis netos. Nos amamos o povo aqui. Nos queremos apprender a lingua Portuguese preparações
para missáo."
After the meeting, pictures, and treats, we thought we were going to walk around Gramado and up to the Black Lake for a bit, but Elder and Sister Copa had us all pile into their car to travel up to the lake (Ann in the very back of the hatch back car). As we were parking by the lake , we received lots of funny looks as Ann was observed crawling out of the back of the car. Those Crazy Americans! Being New Year's Day, most of the tourist shops were closed, and there were lots of people. What a beautiful place!
In 1942, there was a forest fire that destroyed the area that is now known as the Black Lake. Neopoldo Rosenfeld brought seedlings from the Black Forest in Germany to start the reforestation process - hence the name 'Black Lake.' A dam was built to create the lake (17.5 square meters). A walking path borders the lake surrounded by flowers and trees. We took a leisurely walk around the lake in a light, misty rain and marveled at the serenity and beauty, even though the park was full of people. Two adults and one child can ride the swans around the lake for 8$ - about $3.Elder Copa likes to take his morning run around the lake and the surrounding area filled with mansions and manicured lawns. He drove around the rolling hills showing us all the sights. He took us to the entrance gate to Gramado which became our exit - off on our next adventure.
(to be continued)
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