This is my second day here in Brazil.

I can't believe it.

 

So this MTC has guards around it, thick barbed wire fences, and security cameras- even If it didn't, I would feel safe. The spirit is so strong here, It is peaceful, heavenly really. I love the friendly culture. People will come up, say BOM DIA SISTER and then respectfully kiss your face. They have caju juice and Manga, and lots lots more- and you know how they said there would be new fruit? Yeup. Verdade. I would tell you what they are... but I have no Idea what I am eating

 

We are allowed to go out into the streets on P-day because there is no store on campus. Everyone kind of has a trade- or something that they make and sell here. They have a store for books and papers, a store for candy, a store for cookies, or... sugar loaf? There are always people walking about, talking, striking up conversation. The streets go up and down, the side walks swirl around corners, and stairs climb with the flow of the landscape. The trees are not like Maryland trees. They are huge. tall, wild, but magnificent.

 

People speak so fast- I have to constantly ask them to por favor devagar- or use simpler words... they all know I am American- mostly by my inability to speak haha But I expect the language to come faster now that I am surrounded by natives and Spanish speakers. Most of the MTC is made up of Spanish missionaries- It is not hard for them to get their Visas, so sometimes maybe the reason I cant understand is because they are not speaking Portuguese? Padre-I met an Elder from Bolivia yesterday! I think he knew what I was saying too!

 

At the Provo MTC, there are a lot of people to cater to... A LOT. this MTC is quite smaller, friendly, and the food isn't mass processed. I think it will still take me a while to feel totally comfortable and at home. But I do not doubt it will come. However, I am not sure I will ever get used to throwing away toilet paper in trash bins rather than in the toilet... but who knows...

 

The Lord has sent me here for a reason. I know this. I know that I have been given certain qualities and talents to help certain people come back to Christ and I honestly can not wait to be out in the field on the errand of the Lord. I know that this work really is life changing. The life and light that enters people's eyes is REAL. I have seen it. Lives turn around, direction is found, friendships are forged, and truth is discovered. The happiness is tangible, and the consequences of fear and unwillingness to act are to monumentally devastating. For the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.

I think one of the most amazing things of this church, and Jesus Christ's gospel is that we don't convince people to believe what we believe. We simply inviting them to read a book. pray about it. And discover the truth for themselves. All we can do is testify. The spirit is who converts people, who helps them remember,  and truly converts people to God. My live is already changing- my outlook-everything. This church... this gospel. It is truth. Pure truth. How do I know it? Because I read that book. I prayed. And I received an answer. WHAT A GREAT OPPORTUNITY I HAVE TO SHARE THAT MESSAGE!

 

Woot woot

All my love squished up into a big I miss Ya Hug!

-Sister Mitchell