We have really enjoyed seeing the fruits of the months of work we put into the Vilazinha here in São Paulo. Because of posts to various media outlets, Instagram, and who knows where else (that’s not our department), there have been record crowds to see the lights, the nativities, and hear the concerts. A large majority of the visitors are first-time visitors and they all seem to enjoy their time here. A lot of pictures, selfies, and videos are taken and then shared on social media. That’s probably how word has gotten out to so many people who then come themselves. We wondered how attendance at the Vilazinha would be post-Christmas. Not the overwhelming crowds of last week, but still a lot of people streaming in to see the lights and hear the music. We’re on a busy boulevard, and at night it looks like the Disneyland Main Street parade, so there is lots of curiosity, and the price is right (free!). How many people have come so far?  The current estimate to date is 83,000. We stand there in front of the stage and the visitors’ center in disbelief at the number of people who keep coming. No better payoff for our work here.

The ward and stake choirs and family groups have done such a nice job with their evening concerts at the Vilazinha. They loved having the opportunity to share their music in public, and the visitors ate it up. A win-win!

Diadema Stake Choir

The crèche exhibit came down this week (even though the Vilazinha continues through January 6). The idea was to let people have their crèches back for their own Christmas celebrations at home. The crèche exhibit was a huge hit. Will they continue it in coming years? We’ll see!

And down it goes! 

Had a fun evening outing with Van Slootens to downtown São Paulo to see the lights near the São Monastery. There were strobe lights, a fog machine, and a drone flew into the square with a little Santa in a lighted-up sleigh. Very fun.

with John and Nancy Van Slooten

Christmas eve day included a yakisoba noodle lunch at the home of Fernando and Cristiane Morais, and then a sumptuous dinner with several other missionary couples at the apartment of Jim and Margo Lamoreaux (he’s one of the mission MDs). Margo is a fantastic cook and we had a traditional American dinner, which was really nice, and inspiring conversation with these friends. Senior couples are great to work with—everyone who is here wants to be here serving, and they put their all into it.

Potatoes and gruyere cheese, stuffed chicken breast, fresh vegetables!

peppermint pie

Christmas day included a swim in the warm sunshine (remember, it is the middle of summer here!).

In the evening we went to the CTM (Mission Training Center). We had dinner there and then Deanne and I led a devotional and sing-along with scriptures and carols in Portuguese, Spanish, and English. We also had Elder Stout play the cello and Sister Perry sing some solos. The 300 or so missionaries there seemed to enjoy a chance to sing carols they all know. A perfect way to spend Christmas day. Dinner and a show!

Squished in another Uber to the MTC!

Elder Jordan Stout, cello

This weekend was number 4 out of 5, with 36 concerts down and 9 to go. Jim keeps busy directing the “traffic” of the musicians, getting them on and off stage, getting microphones set up, etc. A few have arrived to say that their accompanist couldn’t make it, and could Jim play for their program? Sure! He loves doing that. We had a gap in one program, so a quartet of young Elders who love to sing and harmonize jumped at the chance and gave us an impromptu program. So it’s always something like this. Colorful, fun, and lots of Christmas Spirit.

Sister Crockett, Elders McQuivey, Ahlstrom,  McBride, Harper

Beatriz Barao and Sabrina Magliocchi

Diadema Stake Choir

with Joecy Godoy, director of the Diadema Stake Choir

Jim gave his second organ recital for the Vilazinha this weekend. It reminded him of our time in Jerusalem, where so few people had actually ever seen or heard an organ. The organ was rented just for this event, so they’d never seen an organ in the chapel here. As expected, people are often more interested in watching the mechanics of the organ than hearing the music. But he hoped they liked the music, too. Elder Stout and Sister Perry joined him for a repeat performance.

Today in church, sweet Erik M. sang "Away in a Manger" with his mother. He is a very active boy but when he sings, he is so mature and angelic.

Christmas was merry and bright (but not white) in Coeur d'Alene Idaho.

One more week and a weekend to go. We’ve got a full schedule and plenty more to do.

Happy New Year to all!