1st week

Just found out that Fletcher, Elder Madsen, can only respond to emails on MONDAYS, but he can read them everyday.

There's just so much that's been going on! This week has been one of the best weeks of my life. (no offense guys) I have such a wonderful district and amazing teachers who work so hard to teach half of our district Brazilian Portuguese and Continental Portuguese for the other half. My companion (Elder Gordon) and I were called to be zone leaders our second night here, so that was definitely very shocking, but I can't wait to continue to get to know and love even more of the Elders and Sisters in our zone.
Elder Gordon and I were able to meet our new mission president and his wife a few nights ago, and there are only three of us so that was very exciting, even if you can't tell by my face in any picture ever apparently. (Sorry mom, maybe I'll learn how to smile on my mission) He mostly spoke Portuguese and his wife only spoke Portuguese, so we tried our hand with what we have learned so far, that was quite an experience, but they are such lovely people and we are lucky to be serving in this mission. Even if you can't tell by my smile, this week has been filled with joy.
All the new mission presidents arrived at the MTC a few weeks ago, as well as the entire quorum of the twelve apostles and the first presidency, including the prophet, president Nelson (so the quality of the food naturally went up, let me tell you, Chick fila sandwiches and McDonalds fries are a match made in heaven) My district all joined the choir for the special Sunday devotional so we could be in the same room as all of the brethren. We had the privilege of hearing from Elder Holland, truly one of the most powerful speakers on this planet, the spirit he commands is unlike any other. I could go on for hours just about that talk and yesterday.
Elder Gordon and I had meetings all through Sunday, and even a few more today on our preparation day. (Everyone calls it P-day, sort of a day of rest and preparation, but that didn't happen for most of the day) We were so lucky to be able to go to the Provo temple today, as the temple will close this Saturday and open after Elder Gordon and I leave for Angola. The spirit has been so strong since I've been here. It feels like so long ago that it was my first day and I was having doubts about myself and if I would be able to do this.

The Lord has truly blessed me, I've never read the Book of Mormon so thoroughly and diligently in my life, and it has been a powerful testimony builder. I have trouble sleeping when we are supposed to (10:30pm bedtime and 6:30am wake up isn't normal for me but I have already seen so many blessings in keeping exact obedience), not anymore because of nervousness but because of the excitement and joy that I have for my mission and all those around me. I've been a little pressed for time so sorry for the length, I'll be more organized next week. It's hard to describe how I've been feeling for the past five days, and this email definitely doesn't cover everything, but hopefully I've been able to share some of what I've felt this week with you. 








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