Maybe there's no harm in a wasted summer with no drama; we're gonna stay in

Okay, hi, family!

I am sitting in a cramped internet café in Brazil sending an email to all of you. That's a little weird, huh? This email is probably going to be long and maybe uninteresting, but the ending might be great! It probably won't be, but who knows? Let's read on...

I only left the MTC last Tuesday, but it feels much longer than that. Those of us who were headed to Ribeirão Preto had to leave at 4 AM to take a bus to the airport. We had a one hour flight from São Paulo (the city) to Ribeirão Preto. I was already pretty nervous about leaving the MTC because everyone in my district except for my companion was going Maceió. Just traveling to the mission was a little scary because I was already surrounded by new people.

We were greeted at the airport by President and Sister Vieira and the assistants, all of whom were very kind and welcoming. We loaded up our bags, took some pictures, and headed to the mission office. We ate, they gave us some paperwork and talked about entering the mission and all that. OH, before I forget. Jana: Elder Ellis says he knows you and that he used to surf with Nate a lot. He's going to be the new financial secretary, so that's cool.

Anyway. We went to the mission home (which is in a beautiful place overlooking the city) and ate lunch. Then we watched a slide show about the mission that reminded me of the slide show Andrew and I watched in our Intro to the English Major class (think cheesey (cheesy? cheez-ee?) music and nostalgia that you don't share with the people in the video). That was a bit weird.

(Sorry for rushing through all this and leaving the story flavorless; I don't have much time.)

After we finished, they shepherded all the new missionaries into the kitchen while our trainers quietly entered the living room. We reentered while they belted out "Chamados a Servir" (Called to Serve). We took our seats and President Vieira called us up one at a time to met our trainers. After the new missionary announced his companion's name, all the trainers freaked out and fell all over themselves with excitement. It was pretty awkward.

My trainer's name is Elder Goodsell. He's from Virginia, and he's been really great so far. He isn't the type to be overly enthusiastic, but he is sincere and diligent, and he is helping me to adjust to being a real-live missionary.

Mococa is a nice little town. It kind of reminds me of the areas you see in California that are near the beach. There is definitely a summer-y feeling around here, and I often think that it'd be nice to go swimming. Sometimes I half expect to stumble upon the ocean even though we're surrounded by land for hundreds of miles on all sides. Most of the buildings are dirty and the streets cracked and broken, but I don't mind it much anymore. Most of the houses are small and made of brick. Our apartment is kind of a dump, but I've gotten used to it. I might recommend that we clean it because it looks like no one has for a few years.

The people seem very nice. They might be really mean, though. I'm not sure. You know, because I don't speak Portuguese. It's incredibly difficult to communicate with people. I thought I did all right in the MTC, but I'm struggling to even teach parts of the first lesson now. Thankfully, Elder Goodsell speaks really well, so he's able to help me out when I need it.

I'll try to talk more about the details in the coming weeks. I just wanted to get the facts out. Just know that I'm doing well and trying my hardest.

Oh, fun story (because you asked, Andrew): Yesterday Elder Goodsell and I contacted a woman who was sitting with a girl who looked maybe fifteen years old. We were talking about the church and all that and the teenage girl left. Something you should know: it is really common for women down here to show off. You know. Like, it's hot, they wear tank tops, right? Anyway, the teenage girl wasn't trying to hide anything. She left and came back holding a baby. I didn't notice it at first, but she started breastfeeding her. So, yeah. I made it four or five days before I saw any of that. I wish I had made it longer. And I didn't expect it from a girl who looked like she could go to Arroyo Seco.


FOR MOM AND DAD: What should I do about my retainer? I would bet that there are zero competent dentists around here. (please could you send me a new one please maybe please?)

Also, FOR WHOEVER: If you want to write me letters or send me packages, PLEASE just SEND THEM TO THE MISSION OFFICE. Everything: letters, packages, wedding invitations, money, AMERICAN CANDY (please?). Send it to the mission office. And Dad, could you update my address on Facebook and all that?


I'm out of time, so I'm sorry about any typos and I'm sorry I can't send any individual emails this week. But I lovelovelovelovelove receiving them from you and hearing about what is happening in your lives. Thank you for your prayers and your support. I love all of you.

elder wiggins