Wednesday, October 29, 2014

First Email Message


Okay, so week one. My first companion is Elder Taylor and he is exementi! He isn't the most focused person on the language but he knows his stuff. I was worried about getting a companion that was so tall I couldn't really talk to him due to the breeze above me, but he's pretty close to my height. Food here isn't the best, but I've had worse, and the Chicken is fine... why Uncle Greg? Just Why?

I aprendar Portuguese moito bem, mas moito slow! The language is almost like English in the way that you have to conjugate every verb. My first "lesson" I had to give was on day three to a teacher acting like an investigator, and that was so hard because it had to be in the language!

I'll send you photos next time, but this time I had problems just getting the computer to do what I wanted it to. My district has twelve elders in it, all elders, and four of us could leave for Brazil in the next week or so. Myself included. Elder K-- is here in my district too, and there is another Elder Smith, so weird!! I have Pday on Tuesday and the district seems to have chosen four-square as the sport of the district.  I only have sixty minutes on a computer every given week so Letters are preferable if you want an individual message. Hope you are all well, and I'll write you next week.

Love from;
Elder Smith

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

First Letter Home

Ola Familia,

Day one: I am so stretched! After you dropped me off I was dragged all over creation and grabbed my books and other materials (which I believe is more than 12 lbs). After all that, I went to my classroom where I walked in and understood nothing! Fortunately for me, my new companion (Elder Taylor) was able to help me with what I didn't [understand]. Anyway, [the] food could get boring, but everything else won't. I ran into some old companions from ALA [American Leadership Academy] and Aaron McN-- here. I am supposed to teach a lesson in Portuguese on Friday .... Two days is too short! I hope you are all well. I'm still excited and loving my companion. However, the language has me a little stressed!

Love Always,

Elder Smith

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Pre-Mission Photos

Dad and son at the Provo Temple, Monday, October 20, 2014
Elder Smith was set apart as a missionary on Tuesday, October 21. On Wednesday, October 22, he entered the Provo MTC. His visa hadn't arrived yet. Had it arrived in time, he would have been going straight to the Brazil MTC in Sao Paulo. His mother considers the change in plans a tender mercy. But we all hope he can get to Brazil soon. We love you, Joel, and we will miss you so much, but we know you will be doing a great work!
Mom and son at the Provo Temple, Monday, October 20, 2014

Family at the Provo Temple, Monday, October 20, 2014

Elder Smith, leaving home for the Provo MTC, Wednesday, October 22, 2014