The bus ride was actually really nice. It was a 2 level bus with big comfy chairs that reclined. I sat by a drunk man because one of the sisters got that seat and just kept looking at the rest of us saying "quero trocar!" (I want to switch). It was pretty funny and he passed out quickly so I didnt have to interact with him at all. I slept really well which was a tender mercy. Heavenly Father gave me that sleep because He knew I would need it. It is very hot here and the area is huge. From one side of our area to the other takes almost 2 hours. So we spend a lot of the day walking and not a lot of the day teaching. It is pretty frustrating because I am used to just walking 15 or so minutes and teaching a bunch of good lessons. It is a kind of wealthy area, too so there arent many people on the streets. I am just praying for patience and the knowledge that we are still trying hard even though it is near impossible to get our goals for the days and weeks.
Church was actually really good yesterday. It was the first of my first days at a new area where I felt generally comforable. I directed the music because E. K. Silva is playing piano. They had me bare my testimony, which was the first time they have asked me to introduce myself. It went well and I have people come up to me after introducing themselves. I used a trick that my comp in the MTC taught me. I asked everyone to put their hand on their heart and move a few centimeters to the right. Then I said that if they dont understand anything I say, they can still say that their heart was touched and they were physically moved (thank you E. Williams). I was with out investigators for second hour, so I didnt have to teach anything, but E.K.Silva taught gospel principles.
He is a really good companion. We get along really well and he is teaching me so much. He is helping me with Portuguese and just missionary work in general. I am learning that missionary work isnt just finding people and teaching lessons, but it is treating and being with people the way Christ would. Christ would take a little extra time to help the people see he loves them and wouldnt worry so much about needing to get out after exactly 30 minutes or an hour. Everyone is different and I am learning lots about that from Elder K. Silva. At the same time, I really want to work hard because this work is urgent and we are running out of time already.
Elder K. Silva is from Canada, where he was born and raised to 10 years. Then he moved to São Paulo and has lived there since. So he is a Brazilian from Canada who lives in Brazil. Yeah. But he is a blast."
I am loving the mission. Christmas went really well because we had lots of fun in Itapoã. We all exchanged gifts and I gave E. Cervantes a copy of Tales of Beedle the Bard. He loved it, of course. We had dinner with a family there in the ward and got to talk to family which was great. New Years I really just slept, woke up at 12 to say happy new year and went back to sleep. Sleep is precious on the mission.
Thank you!
