Halfway There!

Today marks my halfway point through the CTM! In 3 weeks, the real deal will start. I still spend 95% of my time studying Portuguese, but we're really making progress now. As we're getting better at teaching and speaking, we're getting new challenges to push us, too. This past week, that meant splits. We switched companions with native Brazilians and taught lessons with them. It was really hard. It was kinda frustrating because I felt like I was being overestimated and underestimated at the same time....but it was good, and I learned lots from it. Even if they did get a little frustrated with me, my Brazilian companieras were super super sweet, and they were so willing to help me. Another challenge that started last week was giving lessons without any notes. At first, it was really hard, but Sister Gillis and I have gotten a lot better at it and the Spirit is stronger when we don't use notes. 

It's only been 3 weeks, but I've become good friends with everyone in my district. There are 10 of us--8 elders, Sister Gillis, and me. Sister Gillis, Elder Lines, and Elder Larson are going to the Santos Mission with me. All the other Elders are going to Santa Maria. We're an interesting bunch. Yesterday, we had a guided meditation session. It probably wasn't the best use of our time, but it was nice and relaxing. One of my favorite things each day is playing volleyball with them. Almost every morning, we have 50 minutes of actividade fisica, and we just play volleyball. I've gotten a lot better at it. 

Every Wednesday and Sunday, we have choir practice and devotionals. I really love those evenings. The Spirit is really strong during them. Everyone is in the choir, so it's just the entire CTM of about 500 missionaries singing together. It's in Portuguese, so I don't always know what I'm singing about, but I can still feel the spirit. I think that is a witness of the Gift of Tongues. After choir, we have a devotional where all the English speakers get to wear headsets, so we'll actually understand.

I'm excited, but a little nervous, because this Saturday, we are going Proselyting on the streets of Sao Paulo somewhere. It's going to be hard, but I think we'll be ready for that challenge by the end of this week. It'll be really cool to meet actual people and talk to them about the gospel. 

I hope you all have a wonderful week! Don't forget to count your blessings.

Com amor, Sister Herron