Hello Everyone!

It has been a crazy busy, but rewarding first few days in the MTC. After being dropped off on the curb (literally!) I was given my materials, orientated, and met my district and teachers. I have two teachers: Sister Secrist and Irmao Schlappi; they are both really good. I have already learned how to pray and testify in Portugues, and I taught lesson 1 from Preach My Gospel (about the restoration) to an investigator this morning.
There are 10 people in my district, most of them Brazil-bound and waiting for visas. That is the case with my companion, Sister Steinbeigle. I am lucky to have a companion for now, but I am not sure how long it will last. When she gets her visa, I will probably become a "solo" sister. We get along really well and complement each other, so I'm hoping it's a long time before she can get her visa!
Thursday night we met together as a branch to meet the Branch Presidency. There are three districts in it, and ours is the only district with sister missionaries. This doesn't really bother me, except that when Sister Steinbeigle volunteered to play the piano and I to lead, I didn't realize that I would end up singing a solo sister part with all the Elders there! Oh well, it went fine, and it doesn't really matter anyways. It's just kind of funny.
The spirit is often very strong here; the first time an Elder prayed in Portugues, it was amazing how strong it was. I think learning a new language makes you re-realize the meaning of words and gives a new sincerity to your speech. I may not know how to say much in Portugues, but I mean every word that I say.
Today we had a half P-day, and we had "Saturday softball", where the whole zone plays softball. It was really fun and so nice to just be outside on the grass, in the sun, by the mountains and temple. We are inside all day long, which makes me miss the sun and outdoors, so that was a perfect treat for me.

I love you all and miss you! I hope that things are going well and that you always remember that God loves and I love you :)