FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN...

Isaiah 9

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Merry Christmas

We send you our love and best wishes for a joy filled season

Elder and Sister Romrell

The Sorriso area of Mato Grosso has many of this type of flowering tree.  This one grows in the Sorriso cemetery.  

Below is a collection of some of Sister Romrell's favorite dead beetles

Sister Romrell with Frei from Feliz Natal

Frei and Juliana doing hair for young women Laura and Liza at a combined Relief Society/Young Women event.

Sister Rocha with students from the Jose Domingues Fraga school next door to Shopping.  The elders and sisters, including Elder and Sister Romrell put on an assembly of the student body about the American tradition of Thanksgiving.  This was the day after Thanksgiving.

 The Manoel and Iraci da Rocha family singing hymns with us

 Work in progress - remodeling the branch meeting house in Sorriso.  Shown here is the builder in charge of the work, Brother Crispin.

Workers taking a Terrere break.  Terrere is a cold drink made out a common plant.  Drinking terere as a group of friends, family, or coworkers is a great cultural past-time in various South American countries.

Francivaldo and Grasiele at her birthday celebration

In the home of Arnelio and Maria (right of Gilson and Shirlei

Iraci

Relief Society closing social

Joined by young women and sister missionaries

Sister Romrell's musical talents are well utilized and so appreciated

Baptism of new convert (on the left)

This very mild sweet melon is called sapo (toad) because of the color of its skin

Anna and her grandmother, Clarrise

Sister Romrell with 4 sister missionaries in the Sorriso Zone, at a zone conference.  Food in background is part of a churrasco

Sleeping boy at the Mercado Del Moro

Outside plants at our neighbor's house

Little girl at the Thanksgiving assembly where we were invited to sing and tell about the American Thanksgiving holiday and observance.  There were about 600 high school students  in attendance.

Beautiful orchids at the restaurant where we ate "Thanksgiving" dinner.  It was at a Brazilian buffet.

One of many city parks in Sorriso

Talking on a pay phone too long can be a little risky

Thanksgiving assembly at a different school--the day after Thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving is not celebrated as an observance or holiday in Brazil, but these high schools enjoyed learning about it from us.  We sang and Lou Ellen danced the hula (after they asked if we couldn't demonstrate an American dance).  We sang Mele Kalikimaka.  The Elders and Sisters also joined in singing with us and leading the students in some popular Brazilian songs.  

Some things we have observed in Sorriso:

• Everyone seems to believe in God and acknowledge His blessings
• Everyone seems to believe in Jesus Christ
• It is okay to invite missionaries to a school event, to sing hymns of praise, and to offer opening and closing prayer at an assembly