Alô todos!
I don't even know how to describe the experiences I've had this week. So I'll start by answering your questions so far!
Elder Hill is pretty cool, he has the language pretty much down and he is fantastic at getting to know the people and becoming friends with them. He is constantly emphasizing to me that I need to be more energetic, more animated when talking to people. I've never even considered improving in that way before my mission, but I can see now where I need to improve. I thought my Portuguese was decent when I left the CTM, boy was I wrong. He is teaching me to slow down when I talk and focus on matching the genders in the words, because I am trying to speak quickly and slurred like the Brasileiros but no one can understand me! Sometimes when we do contacts, I give our introduction and ask if we can pass by their house sometime - when I'm done sometimes they just stand there and look over at Elder Hill, and then he rephrases it and they understand. One time I gave the prayer in this investigators house, and when I finished she said "Amém. Não entendi nada, mas Amém!" [Amen. I did not understand anything, but Amen!] Elder Hill emphasized to me that it is more important to be able to communicate through the Spirit than through Portuguese, but sometimes its very hard to remember that!
About having an American companion, Presidente Tanner actually told me in my interview that I was going to be with Elder Hill, although I had no idea who he was. He said that they used to always pair Americans with Brasileiros, but he recently decided to change because he found that the transition was a lot smoother for the new American missionaries who are paired with Americans. I was actually hoping for a Brasileiro mas, tudo bem! [but okay]
We're not sure why the other Elders were transferred out of the area (I don't even know why its strange, but everyone else I've talked to seems confused about it). We are serving in the Botucatu 1st Branch. In effect, Elder Hill and I reopened the area. He knew nothing about the area also so we spent some time this last week getting to know the area and the people. Our branch president is President Gabriel, who is awesome. He is a very spiritual and emotional man.
This last Sunday we didn't have our normal meetings because of the dedication of the Manaus, Brazil Temple. It was very cool. We went to our chapel and watched it live on the projector screen. Elders Cook and Uchtdorf were there and both spoke. We were actually asked to attend two sessions, and each were a little different. It was kind of funny when they went to spread the mortar or concrete or whatever it was on the cornerstone, because President Uchtdorf would make little humorous comments and us American missionaries would be laughing throughout, but the Brasileiro members had no idea why we were laughing because the translator was only able to pick up and repeat in Portuguese an occasional phrase. Anyway, for next week both of us will be speaking for sure, and I think I'm playing the hymns but I don't really know yet what's going on with that.
Almost every day we have lunch with members, and they do not hesitate to feed us bastante! [ample] As for breakfast and dinner, we have to take care of it ourselves, but we stick with really simple things so there's no problems there. We've only had to cook so far eggs, french toast, pasta and hot chocolate (not that you really cook hot chocolate).
Yeah, it was a long ride from the mission home to our area - I think about 3-4 hours, compared to the hour or so from the CTM to the mission home. We basically get a debit card to pay for our food, some personal items, utilities and I think rent. I don't know, so far Elder Hill has taken care of the utilities and rent.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELLIE!!!! I cant believe you're 10 already!! We were just talking to a young lady yesterday who was 10 years old, and I thought about you. I sent a card for you about a month ago, I was hoping it would reach home by now. Hopefully it gets to you soon!
In regard to prayers in my behalf, I need help leaving my comfort zone and just talking and opening up to people, and help with Portuguese. Those are the two things I'm struggling with most, and the things I don't want to face but I have to! Being out here is all about picking yourself up and continuing on. I pretty much slaughter Portuguese everyday, and being the perfectionist I am, I don't want to mess up so I hesitate to talk to people. But like you said, I need to get these thoughts out of my head, and not hesitate to talk about the gospel! Thank you for your spiritual thoughts by the way! They are such a huge help!
Eu amo vocês! Atê,
Elder Bradford
