Brazilian Revolution, A Lot of New People

Week #68

First, the Guerra Farroupilha or, in English, The Ragamuffin War.

This is not a current revolution. You can relax, Mom.

This was actually a revolution against some of the economic practices of the Brazilian Empire in 1835. The State of Rio Grande do Sul revolted and fought the second bloodiest war for independence that failed in the history of the Brazilian Empire. Great title right?

Currently, Rio Grande do Sul, the state where I live, celebrates the 20th of September, the day they lost the war. I have never seen so many horses in one parade. For those of you who participate in Marching Band, there was a lot of opportunity for extra credit. 

Pictures to come.

The biggest difficulty of Venâncio Aires is finding people that progress. In my other areas people went to church, kept their appointments, read, and prayed (not everybody, but there was always somebody). Here, we're lucky if we see the same person twice. We met 23 completely new people that marked another appointment. Maybe we'll see them again this week. 

We also saved a life today. Elder de Araujo and I spent the night in another area because of a fireside and bad weekend bus schedules. The problem was that he needs a certain medication to stay alive that he had left at home, so Elder Kinney and I made a very early morning run to find an open pharmacy. Medication is very expensive here.

After we got back and Elder de Araujo wasn't dying anymore, we ate Skittles (it's been a very long time) and I tried to convince Elder Kinney to give me his big bottle of Chipotle Tabasco Sauce. He wasn't very willing. Then we got home and I'm here trying to think what else I can write. Let's move on to photos.

Just take away the sword and you have what some people actually wear in the street everyday.  

The Gaucho (person from Rio Grande do Sul) loves his dog and his horse. 

Lots of horses. There were about six groups about this size. 

Just because my sisters should like her clothes.

Even with a dress, you don't ride side saddle in Rio Grande do Sul. 

Cars like this are not uncommon here. 

Flag of Rio Grande do Sul. I want to bring one home. 

Gauchos learn to ride very early.