Feliz Ano Novo!!! Jan. 3, 2012

Feliz Ano Novo!!
And Go Cougars!!That sounds like it was an awesome game!

New Years was awesome.  The Brazillians were dancing all night and there were tons of fireworks.  It puts our new years to shame haha.  We just got to hang out and have fun with the Brazillians.  It was so fun.  You need to look up the Brazillian National Anthem.  Its the sweetest song I've ever heard in my life.  and we got a Brazillian and an Argentinian in our room this week.  Its really helping my portuguese.  On Thursday i taught my first lesson without using a word of English.  My teacher just sat there and smiled at me.  I could actually feel the spirit while speaking a different language.  It was so cool.

None of my district is going to Curitiba.  Most of them are going to Belem and a couple are going to Belo Horizonte.  Then one is going to Terizina.  I'm the lone Curitiba elder.  And I've been told a million times that people that go to that mission get way far.  So, thank you so much for the chips and cookies, but I had to share them with everyone.  I can't get fat!!

The food here is good, but I haven't been eating a lot cuz I don't want to get far. haha.  I've already lost 5 pounds.  It's pretty great.

We had a Book of Mormon devotional last Tuesday and it was Russell M. Nelsons talk to the Provo MTC.  It was amazing.  It was all about the Ensign that Mom gave us.  I love the Book of Mormon and I know that its true.  I can feel the spirit even when I'm reading it in Portuguese.

The rain here is crazy.  It rained every day except today since last Tuesday.  Luckily we are inside all day.  It rains hard and it rains often.

Thank you so much for all of the letters I got this week.  My district hates me now because I get mail almost every day and the don't.  haha.  Thanks Abbey, Syd, Nat(2), Bybees, Sadlers, Bishop Hansen, Grahams, and of course I loved our family Christmas card.

Elder Cottrell left for the field this morning but we had a good long chat last night.  It was sad and he was way nervous, but he will do great and he gave me a lot of good advice.  He has been a great help to me these last few weeks.

I just want you all to know that I know that this Church is true.  2012 will be my only full year on a mission so I'm going to give it my all and make it the best year of my life.  I'm so excited to serve and I want to be the best missionary I can be.  I love you all so much and I hope you have an amazing 2012!!  I'll see you next year!;)     Love, Elder Taylor

Ps  The toilets still go straight down.  And Scott, I found out why all the schools on NCAA football are called Tiburon.  It's the Spanish word for shark.  Just FYI:)

And one more thing,
Mom, you rock my socks.  You really are the greatest mom in the world.  I love you so much.

(Note from Staci:  that last line makes it ALL WORTH IT!)

There's a little place across from the Brazil MTC that the missionaries can receive and buy pizza, cookies, snacks, etc.