I Am A Disciple Of Jesus Christ - Semana Um!

Olá meus amigos e minha família! 

This week I was set apart as a full-time missionary!! I have dreamed about this time in my life ever since I was a little boy. Now, I have the opportunity to serve the people of Brazil for TWO WHOLE YEARS as a representative of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

BUT FIRST. I need figure out language of Portuguese and how to proselyte 

MONDAY

My first day of At-Home MTC! The schedule they sent us was Brazil time, so I had to start technically four hours earlier than it described, and it was a little strange having our "dinner break" at lunchtime. But it was AMAZING! | got to meet my awesome district, everyone seems super chill and down to earth. We instantly became good friends and I can't wait to meet all of them in person next Thursday! Right now, meu companheiros are Elder Teuscher and Elder Kelly, both living in Utah, and both absolute BALLERS. We connected really quickly and I'm honored to serve alongside them. That day we learned the basic "who are you?" "my name is" and "my mission is..." simple stuff easy peasy.

TUESDAY-FRIDAY

I could talk more about At-Home MTC, but it's more of the same everyday: Doctrine/Preach My Gospel Workshops, and Portuguese classes for about 8 hours each day. Learning more and more everyday! By Thursday/Friday we were no longer allowed to say prayers in English! 

Also, Happy Fourth of July!! I was so blessed to spend time with my family and friends for one last holiday before I go! Love you all!

SATURDAY

Saturday I spent most of my time doing some last minute shopping and packing up my room! Some of my amazing friends came to hang out while I was working (pic 1), thank you guys!

I am prepared for a couple more days of At-Home MTC then I ship out on Wednesday morning!

FUNNY

On Tuesday we had a substitute instructor for our second District class of the day. This guy was the most upbeat and witty person I've met from the MTC so far, and he loved to throw out some familiar but unexpected slang!

He asked us what our favorite snack was, and when prompted with the same question, he replied with, "You guys know M&Ms?? Those things are MUITO BUSSIN!!" We all cracked up because I guess we were expecting to be taught by some uptight instructor, and not a guy just a couple years older than us. It was so fun and comforting to know we could have fun at the same time we were learning.

Also, if you ever hear a Brazilian say the word 'Shwarzenegger", I highly recommend, because it made my day 

SPIRITUAL THOUGHT 

"Manter várias linhas na água" = "Keep several lines in the water" 

Quentin L. Cook taught that missionaries who find people to teach "consistently keep multiple lines in the water." 

Just like a fisherman has a better chance of catching fish by keeping their line in the water, we have a better chance of finding people to teach and love by consistently reaching out, talking to people, and serving others. I challenge y'all to find ways to be charitable and share the love of Jesus Christ!!

LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH!! As I start having more experiences, my emails will be filled with miracles, blessings, and funny moments as well! I'll do my best to keep y'all updated! Email me!

GOALS

Here, I want to make some general goals that I'd like for y'all to keep me honest about! I will follow up with you guys and report how I'm doing. For now, here's what I've got:

1. Memorize the Missionary Purpose in Preach my Gospel EM PORTUGUÊS by THURSDAY, July 11th.