I'm in BRAZIL!!

 Olá!!


I have arrived safely in Brazil!  I have had a long week and have a bit to update on so sorry if this email gets to long lol.  

First thing was last week.  Sunday I got to see most of the missionaries in my stake that either have their calls and haven't stated MTC, or have started/in the middle of MTC.  President Larsen held a little mission fireside.  We talked about how our missionary purpose aligns perfectly with the doctrine of Christ.  I love that what we do as missionaries (whether you are set apart as a missionary or not) is defined as the doctrine of Christ.  

Second thing last week is all the preparation and packing.  Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday I had to run some errands to get some last minute things that I would need for Brazil.  Then Thursday I packed everything up!  I hate packing in general, but packing for 18 months was hard haha.

I had one last little study session with some of my district from the MTC so that was dun to be together before we headed to our missions.

I said goodbye to Sister Matsen and sister Bancroft.  That was hard because I just love them both so much.  It was hard knowing that we wouldn't be comps anymore.  But I know they will both do amazing things on their missions!!

Packing on Thursday was very hard and emotional.  It finally hit me that I was leaving.  Then came Friday morning...I was a total wreck!  The airport was super busy and it was really stressful with all the documents I needed but I made it through.

The goodbyes were soooo hard, I cried so many times, as I'm sure many of you saw on my mom's Facebook post.

My first flight was to Ft Lauderdale in Florida, the had a layover until my flight to Campinas n Brazil, then another layover, then one last flight to Ribeirão Preto.  I traveled for just about 24 hours.  That was such a long day.

I was greeted by my mission president, his wife, and 2 elders.  It felt so good being greeted by them, it was so welcoming!

The rest of Saturday I got settled in.  I had a big lunch and met my companions.  I'm in another trio since I came during a transfer here.  Their names are Sister Souza and Sister Alvez.  They are so nice and have helped me so much already! 

Sunday we went to church, and it was the first time that members could go back to church since covid.  So that was neat being able to go!  The members and the people here are so nice and welcoming!

Then the afternoon we taught so many lessons with so many different people.  It was so cool to see what missionaries do -- of course outside the MTC. 

And that brings us to today, my first p-day in the mission!  I am still adjusting and still getting settled in.  I'm in the city as my first area! 

Anyways, this email is kind of boring haha and kind of long.

I love you all!  Miss everyone!

Sister Findlay

Pictures this week
-goodbyes at the airport
-a few from this weekend










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