February 18

Dear Mãe (put that into google translate to hear the sound),

I feel old now. Emma will start high school next year and colby will graduate this year. I am no longer a teenager and will have a year on the mission in two months. Its all going by fast. Dont worry about the present getting here late its not a big deal. I dont need any presents. I thought i heard Colbys voice in the video. I wonder why he doesnt like singing. Trevor and Emma are very good about writing me every now and then. Trevor has told me with much pride that he has grown six inches since living in alaska and now wears a 11 shoe. He also told me he benches 135 now. He seems like he is doing very well. Emma is as silly as always of course.

You dont sound nearly as stressed as you usually do. It sounds like you are getting a handle on this manager thing. Congratulations im proud of you stealing my Job. 

So here in Brazil they have this tradition of making a cake on your head for your birthday. They break eggs and pour flour right on your head. It will be great. *sarcastic look* Im not too excited about that. You will be happy to hear that i am learning to cook. I am really trying to get recipes from the people here so i can show you guys a little of the culture. So the most tropical part of my mission is right on the coast. Brazil is a varied country that has several different climates. Not as many as we do but its still a few. Most of our mission is a arid/semi desert place. So in other words super hot temperatures with little rain. Yeah! Im gonna freeze to death when i get home. We should have more success here now. I didnt get along with my last companion very well. He annoyed the crap out of me. I like this new guy a lot better. Unfortunatley i will probably be transfered next week. Any way things are good and time is short. Love you mom :)