Hello Everyone!!

The MTC down here in Brazil is crazy. It is a lot of fun, but it is also very difficult. From the moment that you get down here, everyone is speaking Portuguese to you. It is very much baptism by fire. The first week was completely daunting and super hard. I had no idea what was going on. The language is starting to come, though. Definitely, have needed The Lords help this week. The food down here is definitely different and some of it is interesting, but there are a lot of good things to eat. They prepare meat and bread super well, but they need some help with the veggies. More butter and salt would be great on those. I have two companions. They are both awesome. My district is great. I am district leader. We have barely any time to email so I am trying to say as much as I can. It is super stressful. Haha. If any of you email me and I don't email back for a little bit, know that I am trying, but I just have to take pictures of a lot of them and then read them throughout the week. I can't send pictures from here, but I will send a lot once I get out into the field.

Teaching people in Portuguese is extremely difficult. I know what I want to say, I just don't know how to say it. It drives me crazy. Haha. The MTC isn't easy. Mission work isn't easy, but I know that the Lord strengthens those who follow Him. And I have felt his strength in lessons and just in everything that I do.

Elder Anderson came and spoke to us this week. Everyone got to shake his hand because there are only about 300 missionaries or less. It makes it so that you know everyone and it is a lot of fun because you make a lot of friendships. Every day is just a lot of study and eating and a little bit of basketball (but no jumping which drives me crazy). The Lord has shown His hand so much this week and I am grateful for the strengthening power that He brings me. The Gift of Tounges is so real. I have felt it help me throughout this week and I am going to need to continue to have it in order to teach the people of Brazil. We went to the São Paulo Temple this morning which was an amazing blessing. The temple is such a source of strength and inspiration. I am loving working for The Lord. Thank you all for your love and support!!

Elder Johnson