What's up, everyone!
A crazy week all around! Tuesday morning, I said goodbye to some of the best people at the CTM and got on a flight with about 15 other missionaries who were also called to Porto Alegre. Upon arrival, we were greeted by our mission president as well as some other Elders of the mission. We made a quick stop at the temple before meeting at the home of the mission president to receive our new companions and areas.
I am currently in an area called Tremandai. It is right on the coastline of Brazil and only a 20 min walk from the beach. It gets really cold and windy during the day because of the coastal breeze, so for the first time in my life I've had to wear some cold weather gear lol.
My companion's name is Elder Lima and he is from Recife, Brazil. I was the only American to receive a Brazilian comp, which is a blessing in disguise. I have no option but to speak Português and it forces you to really learn it.
The adjustment to living here has been tough. There isn't really a right way to explain what it's like unless you are in it. The language is very hard. Despite building a good foundation in the CTM, my vocabulary outside of the gospel and soccer is very limited lol. It's hard to be yourself when you are so limited on what you can say and understand. It's a lonely feeling not having anyone you can just sit down and talk to, but every day it gets better. There is no place I'd rather be then right here, and the power of missionary work is unbelievable.
Quick story. Me and my comp were on our way to teach a lesson about an hour walk away, and along the way, we ended up getting lost. We had accidentally walked a few streets past the house and decided we would walk to the main road. As soon as we turned onto the road, I noticed a lady sitting outside a store and I waved to her. She called us over and we started talking about who we were and everything. She explained that she was baptized a member and had been inactive for the last 30 years. She said that she had been praying diligently for the last week to know what church is right for her. We then explained how we somehow lost track of where we were and felt like we should walk here. She started to tear up and explained that the only reason she was sitting outside is because she needed service, and this was the only place that she could get it. We planned a lesson for this week and are excited to meet with her. A lot of small miracles went into that. It shows how powerful prayer is and that we were guided by the Spirit.
I'm grateful to be in the position I am right now and know that overtime I will settle in! One thing I noticed this week was that The Church of Jesus Christ is universal. No matter where you go in the world, it is the exact same. That's how we know it is the true church and that you can do his work anywhere. Everything is run by him through people on the earth. Sincere prayer works. Pray as much as you can with real intent and the Lord will listen.
Love receiving your emails and miss you guys like crazy!
Elder Copeland❤️
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