First Letter from Elder Summerhays

Dear Family,

I am sure that you have already received one "letter" from me. I decided that I didn't want my first good letter to be on the back of an information sheet! I would like you to know that tudo Bem (all is well). Ask brother Mathison how to pronounce any words I write. The MTC is great...or should I say CTM as it is called down here. It has been a lot of work already, but I truly love it.

I would like you all to know that as I was in the airport waiting for my flight I did not feel sorrow. I felt excited and eager to be on my way. I was especially surprised at this because the other elder never arrived (Visa???) and it would have been nice to fly down with another elder. You should ask sister Duffy if she knows anything about it. You will be excited to learn that I started my missionary work on the flight to Dallas. The man I sat next to, named Charles, expressed an interest in religion but after several sects, became non-secular. We had a non confrontational discussion about our beliefs on various subjects and I could tell I said some things he had not heard before. Near the end of the flight we shook hands and he wished me the best of luck while on my mission. I wished him well after I offered him a pass along card for a free Book of Mormon. He accepted it!!! After the fact I realized how ironic it was that we spoke of such things while he drank small glasses of white wine! I hope he doesn't just throw it away like in the movie The Best Two Years.

Once I reached the Dallas airport I got on the air trams and headed for gate D21. There I met 16 more elders and two sisters. I was shocked! Unfortunately I am the only one going to Goiania. They are all great; many had their own opportunity to share the gospel on the way to Dallas as well.

My companions name is Elder Judson. He is a good young man but reminds me of myself before I got out of my box socially. It is hard for me to see the excitement in him. I know he has a testimony; we have had several study sessions together as companions. I think we are going to need to work on taking risks, especially when learning the language. I love this CTM! While I have never been to the MTC, I know that in Provo they do not have the multitude of native speakers around them all the time. It makes learning that much more important. I absolutely love the Brazilians! They are so energetic and excited to learn English from us. I expect to have two Brazilians move into our room within a week. Exciting!! I am learning more and more each moment I am here. I am so grateful for this opportunity. I love you all. Write me a lot and tell others to do it also. The other elders will be jealous. haha! :)

I love you all,

Elder Summerhays
(letter sent from Brazil 3/11 received 3/20)