Wow! Craziest
week of my entire life. I am finally in Santa Maria, Brazil!!!
My favorite
quote of the week...from my companion..."Like Obama says....we can do it!"
I thought it was funny because she doesn't even know who Obama is haha. My
companion is Sister Auroujo de Souza from northern Brazil (by the Amazonas).
She doesn't speak much Ingles, so we speak Portuguese. She is perfect. I could
not possibly ask for a better companion. She is my dream companion; I am so
lucky to have her. She works so hard, has the biggest heart, and we are so much
alike in how we want to serve. I love her with all of my heart. She is amazing.
She has been a member for 3 years, has a twin sister that passed away when she
was 16, and loves the temple just as much as I do :) haha
Things about my first week of Brazil:
- I have no clue what people are saying, I feel stupid (baby
like) constantly. But it is getting better, people just speak way fast
- President Parrella and his wife are so amazing. They are
all about obedience and health.
- BEST FOOD EVER.
- People try to translate to me in ingles but I don't
understand them hahaha
-We walk or taxi everywhere (mom- San Fran on steroids)
-Everything is so expensive and they don't have much of what
America has. I wanted to cry when they told me they don't have peanut butter
haha
-People are so loving! I love this culture already. Everyone
hugs and kisses each other. It is awesome! so wonderful the connection people
have by hugging complete strangers. Women walk with arms linked sometimes
-I am in the Santa Maria area. My mission president is
around the corner
-No one obeys speed limits or stays in the traffic lines.
Ever. On my first day, President Parrella drove like a mad man
-Everyone smells super good, I don't know why. It's almost
like they all wear cologne
-Everyone sings off tune and really loud!
-Our ward is AMAZING. Bishop came to lessons with us with
his wife and drove investigators to church. So amazing.
-The dogs are missing eyes and are super freaky to look at
-My companion and I are completely new in this area, and it
is super hard because the elders left us nothing to work with.
-The language is beautiful
This week has been one of the hardest ever. I have had such
a hard time not understanding and people trying to talk to me but I can't say
anything. SO HARD. I love these people already, they are so kind and totally
the people I was meant to serve. As
I have been here I have seen that this is truly where my Heavenly Father wanted
me to serve my mission. Everything about this place is perfect. I feel so immensely
blessed to be here and to be able to serve the Gaucho people. The spirit speaks
all languages and at this time I need to have more faith than ever. Some days I
feel like I will never learn Portuguese, but through Christ, all things are
possible. I can't believe I am actually here. I feel like I'm in a dream. But I
know that My Savior lives and guides his church and missionaries. I can't do
anything without Him; I am only his instrument. I KNOW that this church is
true. It is amazing seeing the blessings that come to those who live it. I love
Brazil so much and can't wait to someday understand the language and people. I
love you all!!!! Besos e Brasos!!
Sister Alena Porter
Goodbye to Detroit!! 
This Sweet Sister made me
a lunch to bring on the plane.
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