Letter #1

Dear Family,

Where to begin? I've only been here a day but it feels like a whole week passed by. Tuesday was looong! I flew all day and when we got to Dallas I had a five hour layover. There I met four other missionaries who flew with me to Sao Paulo, although in seats not adjacent. That flight was longer than all of Tuesday. Ten and a half hours from the time we left. I sat next to a larger Brazilian man who typed furiously the whole time and seemed to think he was entitled to half of my leg room and all of my arm room. Other than that a nice, quiet companion. I enjoyed flying over the gulf and islands lit up at night. Pictures to follow. Don't know what islands they were, though I asked the flight attendants. I saw oil tankers, oil derricks, lots of cities lit up and some very dense rain forest this morning. Sao Paulo was beautiful this morning; indescribable. It's huge. Dwarfs NYC in scope. Lots of hills, apartment buildings.

We landed and waited for other elders to come. Lo and behold my friend from school was on the next flight and is now in my district. A nice blessing and comfort. Also, already saw my other good friend from school though we haven't talked too much yet. Today was a busy day! Had lots of orientation and took a tour of the city and the CTM. So different, but not strange. Things aren't cheaper either. They're more expensive usually. Had street vendor carmelized coconut pronounced safe by our very wizened guide Elder Steadman. Wasn't bad. We exchanged ALL of our money, which was more because I had no baggage fees - hallelujah! My first companion is Elder Cummings from Washington State. Very nice, very enthusiastic. Should be a good companion. Also the only person I've met going to my mission! Other missions are in plentiful supply but not ours.

The food is great although most of the time I've no idea what I'm eating! Already we're learning Portuguese, teaching investigators...taught first investigator in English today, teach first in Portuguese tomorrow. I'm having more fun than I've ever had in my life because it's eternally meaningful and we immerse ourselves in the gospel ALL THE TIME! Incredible spirit. I'll write on preparation day next week.

Love, love, love, Tannner