Sister Hale here, OLA to all,
Elder Hale and I have been here in Brazil 2-1/2 weeks.  We are here during a major transition in the curriculum that affects our assignment.  There are many changes for these good saints here as well as world-wide as we all viewed the message given in our joint meetings last Sunday on the importance and blessings of paying our Fast Offerings. It was all in Portuguese, so I was unable to understand the words, but Elder Hale and I were taught and began our training in Salt Lake City on the Sunday we were to have spoken in our Ward.  From there it will evolve into something else. "It" is not considered a new "program" but rather it is and will be taught as an "initiative" because it comes directly from the First Presidency through revelation. What is this "it"?  We were taught the following:

The "Initiative" is called "Becoming Self Sufficient".  There will be an emphasis on becoming "self sufficient" SPIRITUALLY first, (i.e. being active, increased knowledge, stronger testimony, becoming Temple worthy etc.) and then a person will be better qualified to utilize and receive the needed resources and blessings sought to become self reliant or "self sufficient" TEMPORALLY. 

Here in a beautiful town called Embu, Elder Hale and I spent a few days in an intense training program, learning about the 8-12 week courses, etc. that will be offered in various locations (probably the stakes) throughout the world beginning in 2015--courses that are inspired and focus on helping anyone who desires to improve their current economic situation, current employment, ability to better budget household, business expenses etc etc etc.  There will be no charge, of course, but many commitments and goals for those who have a strong desire to "earn" the much needed blessings that come from being "self sufficient".

Here in Brazil and all over the world, the Perpetual Education Fund is helping many young returning missionaries, as well as others who qualify, to rise out of the poverty they return to upon the completion of their full time service.  As you can imagine, this Program goes hand in hand with the "initiative" to become Self Reliant as they receive the educational training needed to become gainfully employed.  These folks will take the new "courses" first so they can understand the importance of spiritual improvements first and then be taught the how's, the what's, the when's, the why's etc. of what is needed to become self sufficient temporally. (Especially needed when it comes to paying a full tithing, much needed fast offerings and, of course, that PEF loan.)

Right now, Elder Hale and I work in the area office here in Sao Paulo with members and non-members who come in (with or without an appointment) and help them to find resources or learn better English, develop a few power statements about themselves, practice being interviewed, etc. etc. Of course, I help in all things English at this point while I try to master a few words and phrases in Portuguese and write a blog.  When the holidays are over and the new "initiative" begins to be implemented, I hope to be able to do more with those who come in ever greater numbers to learn the importance and the dignity that comes from being Self Reliant.

Now just a couple of things about our way of life here.  It has truly been an adjustment for me to go from the comfort and space of our lovely home in Midvale, to a very small, but sufficient apartment on the 3rd floor (really the 4th floor). Many things here are small--appliances, paper products, linens, pots and pans etc etc.  The food is wonderful with outdoor fetas that sport freshly picked fruits and vegetables we don't even know to dream about in Midvale.  The food is surprisingly pricey, but worth it in many ways.  We walk to and from the area office (about four blocks each way) which is just fine with us although the traffic on the busy streets butt right up against the narrow and very damaged sidewalks (if you can call them that) so it gets very noisy and rather unnerving at times, especially when traffic is stopped while you are walking only a few inches along side these good people who are eyeing our badges and us, up and down and wondering why we are all dressed up and holding hands with big smiles on our faces.  It's fun to imagine what they might be thinking.  We are close to most everything we need and there is good public transportation that is "free" to seniors.

Members here are so warm and grateful for our service.  The usual greeting is met with an embrace and a kiss to the side of the face.  (men embrace fondly and without hesitation) Sad to know how this behavior is viewed in the U.S.  Complete strangers greet us everyday on the street with either a "good morning, afternoon or evening."  It is a very loving country with genuine gestures of love for "Americans".  Such a relief.
Well, that is all for now.  We love this work and all of you.
Sister Hale