September 25, 2017

Boa tarde everyone!

Thank you for all of your emails, they have all been a blessing for me today!

So we went to Walmart today. This may seem insignificant to you guys in America, but I haven't been in two months. That is way too much time apart from my favorite store. My love was rekindled and I am grateful that a store with cheap fruit and everything I need is only a half hour walk from my house! I also got Sister Moura to like Walmart (today was her first Walmart experience) and I would be lying if I say that it doesn't feel like an accomplishment.

Silly thoughts aside, my week has been good! After I emailed you all last week, a group of us went to an exhibit called human bodies. It was all about how the human body functions and all of the bodies (5) were real. At first, I felt freaked out, then interested, then crushed. The reason being was that they had a group of eight feti, and that is when my missionary mind kicked in and I thought about the ressurrection. Knowing me, I started to cry. I tried to hide it from the others in the group, but Luan (recent convert) noticed and told my companion. I couldn't communicate how I was feeling in português because I was so emotional, so one of the American sisters, Sister Kemp, came over and helped me out. I told her that I know God's plan is perfect, and that everyone's bodies will be made perfect, but the bodies here were taken apart! She told me that Heavenly Father is all powerful and will take care of the people here and that they were here so we could learn more and educate ourselves. It was still hard for me to feel better, but I've been praying for the souls that belong to those bodies.

Sad story aside, we had divisions this week! My sister leaders are Sister Kemp and Sister Leyva, and they are really awesome! I went on splits with Sister Leyva, and it was hard! Their area feels like they have mountains, and not many people were home to hear our message. But we did teach one person, Gloria. She's an old Catholic woman that understands a lot about God and Jesus Christ, and we were able to teach her about the restoration! I'm grateful for her sweet spirit, it really helped encourage me and not feel sad that other people were not wanted to listen.

Friday was also a blessing because we had lunch with Joana, a member with a husband that didn't want to listen to our message. But after we ate, we shared the third lesson with him, with a lot of emphasis on baptism (that was his main concern). What I thought was anger was simply animated conversation and questions. The real blessing is that his heart was touched, and he is willing to hear another lesson this week. Muito legal!

Saturday was another blessing! We were visiting with Kátia, she's ready to be baptized but needs to get married first. We taught her son (who is preparing to be baptized) and her husband. The lesson was blessed with openness and understanding, and we got a reference! Kátia's mother has never been contacted by the missionaries even though her daughter goes to church every week. She wants to learn more, how exciting!

And of course yesterday was wonderful, we got to hear the women's session of General Conference! It was a mix of listening and understanding the português and trying to hear the English under the português. I think my favorite talk was by Sister Marriott. At the end of her talk, she spoke of Christlike love, and that was really strong for me. Something I've realized is that I love my family so much, especially my twin. But Sister Moura is not my twin, she is a different person, and she can't read my thoughts like my twin can. That being said, I have the potential to love her just as much as I love my twin, but I need to learn her love language, which is very different from mine. Something I've needed to ask myself is how can I show my companion that I want to be her friend and that I love her? We've been able to talk about it yesterday and today, and I'm excited for the change that's ahead! I know that when we accept change and strive to become more Christlike, we can receive blessings and increased happiness!

I love you all so much, please keep sending me all of your inspirational thoughts!
Sister Carlson

September 18, 2017

Good morning everyone!

So today is my two-month mark in Brazil, how exciting! This week has been full of exciting things!

First of all, it has been hot! Someone told me we skipped spring and went straight into summer! Because the sun is so strong and I really don't want to have a sunburn, I've been using an umbrella to keep the worst of the sun away from my face. Talk about dainty!
Second of all, I ate half of a chicken heart yesterday! At lunch, Márcia had a Brazilian BBQ (which was fantastic). She showed me a piece of meat and asked if I wanted it. After my brain processed "coração" and "frango", I politely declined. Sister Moura wasn't having it and put one on my plate. I tried to eat the whole thing but remembered half way through that I was eating a heart. I'll be trying to be more open about what I eat in the future!
Another exciting thing was that when we were walking to an appointment. Sister Moura does not like dogs, she does her best to avoid them. We walked past this family, and a tiny little dog suddenly shot out from the open gate, barking like mad. The owners were able to get the little dog under control, but I think he probably would have chased us down the street if given the chance. And this dog was smaller than Hinckley! It was a funny experience.

After I emailed last week, Sister Moura and I got to have a picnic with Sister Kemp, Sister Leyva, and Luan (a recent convert)! After we ate, we took lots of pictures in the park! I'll try to send some, but my camera is not great with computers. It was really fun!

So this week has been kind of hard, but good! With one investigator, Janaína, we were able to talk about marriage in the temple! She and her boyfriend have a tiny little baby named Julia, and she is two months old. When we were there to teach her, Janaína wanted to make us suka (a drink), and Sister Moura was in the bathroom, so she gave Julia to me! I was about to protest because missionaries aren't supposed to hold babies, but no one else was there to hold her. I think I held her for fifteen minutes, she's so cute! I talked to my companion afterward because my goal is to be exactly obedient to the white handbook, but she said that this was alright because I held her to help Janaína out. Anyway, we had a special experience with her. Janaína said that she didn't really want to get married, but when we talked about the promises of an eternal marriage in the temple, her view changed. She kept saying "I want that." Sister Moura and I are hoping for a wedding by the end of this transfer!

On Friday, we had interviews with Presidente Silcox! He was able to share with me something he does to prepare for the sacrament and encouraged me to find something, a hymn, scripture, or talk, that helped prepare me for the ordinance of the sacrament. Then Sister Moura and I talked about our Area Book with Sister Silcox, it was good! She's also the health manager, and the thing she emphasized the most was for me to use sunscreen and drink water, because "you're so white". She must have said it five times, it was funny! 
Sister Moura and I were informed that we would be moving houses this week. Apparently, this is very exciting because past missionaries have been trying to live in a different house for a long time. We'll be living close to a less active family, so I'm hoping that we'll really be able to help them get back to church so they can feel the blessings of this gospel in their lives!

I think that's all I have time for! I love you all so much!
Sister Carlson

Sept 11, 2017

Hello everyone!

Wow, week two has been hard. I think every week two is hard for me. It is a gift and a curse!

On Tuesday we had a zone conference with our zone and Presidente Silcox and his wife. My companion was excited, so I was excited. This was my first zone conference, and I was told that we´d be spiritually filled. so I was pumped. But when we got there and were being taught, I could barely understand anything! I was devastated because I thought that I would understand a little, but it was not so. Week two is always hard because, for week one, you know that your português is bad, and that´s okay. But by the second week, you just want to communicate so bad, and you can´t yet. I still have so much growth to do, which is great! I have 16 months to improve my português, what a blessing! 

This week has also been a blessing because I´ve learned the importance of Christlike love. When I´m feeling discouraged, it is not as easy for me to feel Christ-like love. The adversary knows this about me, so whenever my companion and I would be walking to an appointment and I was feeling inadequate, he would point out small annoyances, things that didn´t really matter. With all of these little things building up to create a big thing, I was overwhelmed. The thing I have to take away from this week is "Calma". Heavenly Father knows that this life is difficult, real people have real problems. But that never means we cannot have compassion for one another. Something I shared with a sister yesterday was 3 Nephi 12:39. It talks about turning the other cheek when someone offends you. For me this week, it meant turning aside my frustrations, taking a deep breath, and continuing on with my day. 

My scripture study has been really interesting this week. I´ve been reading in 3 Nephi when Christ comes to the Americas. I´ve had a couple of questions throughout my study, and I´ve been praying for answers. But the answers have only come through further study and other people. This has been another good lesson for me because I´ve wondered, "Why won´t Heavenly Father answer my prayers?" This was the wrong question to ask!! The real question is "How does Heavenly Father answer my prayers?" I have needed to learn patience this week in receiving answers because it took several days of study until my question was answered. Heavenly Father answers prayers in different ways, through feelings, thoughts, and other people. Sometimes we want a grand voice to come into our heads or our bosom to burn, but most of the time, it´s a little nudge or a passing thought. We need to be attentive to these small things so we can teach with the spirit. 

My strongest experience with this was yesterday when I shared that scripture I mentioned before. We were teaching Taiane, a less active member that is having some personal problems. We were hoping to teach her and her namorado, Vagner, but he was busy. So we asked Taiane what she wanted to study with us. She wanted to study about forgiveness. As my companion was talking, a little thought came into my head. Not the specific scripture, but what the verse was about. So I started to look for it. When I found it, I was madly searching my dictionary so I could explain what I was thinking, and that got my companion´s attention. She asked if I wanted to share something, and even though I hadn´t found the word I was looking for, I started to share 3 Nephi 12:39. As I spoke, I could see that the spirit had touched Taiane´s heart. This was an awesome experience for me because the spirit gave me a thought! And I acted on it! Plus, it was something I had studied earlier that week, which was a huge blessing. It´s a relief to know that I can still be an instrument in the Lord´s hands even when I can´t speak too much português. Sometimes, fewer words can be stronger than many words. 

I think that´s all I have time for! Next week I´ll try to write more!

I love you all!!

September 4, 2017

Bom dia!

Wow it feels like 60 years have passed since I last emailed you all! I have a lot to say, so get some snacks and buckle up!

Tuesday was the day we transferred! I stuck close to Sister Kearsley because I was feeling more than a little nervous. When we pulled into the mission home, my adreneline went through the roof! Elder and Sister Silcox are really great, and made sure we all felt welcome. When I had a moment to think, the tears surprised me! Just the newness and apprehensiveness caught up with me, but it passed quickly and excitement replaced it! I got my new companion Sister Moura and she is amazing! Here in Brasil, I'm her "daughter" (instead of greenie) because she needs to teach me everything. She later told me that she was relieved that I knew some português because she doesn't know much english. Before we left the mission home, Sister Silcox pulled me and Sister Kearsley aside for a second. She said that if we ever needed to speak some english to please call her! Isn't that cute? She said that this would be really hard, but I already knew that! The thing that I keep at the front of my mind when I'm discouraged is that Heavenly Father needs to break me down before he can build me up as the missionary He needs me to be! I'm like a muscle!

After our orientation, Nilton (a member) came and picked us up with his wife. That was when I really realized that my português has a long way to go until I'm fluent! When we got to our house, I felt overwhelmed; it is so tiny! This new home is humble, and I'm really glad that Vila Carrão is my first area, it has helped me remember to be grateful for everything I have. What a beautiful plan that Heavenly Father has given us!

This week has been one of much growth for me. Initially, I was terrified to teach people with my broken português, but it has been really great. The night I got there, we went to teach Jisela. It was a good learning experience for me because my testimony about the Book of Mormon and the restortation have increased. Why? Because I'm sharing my testimony always!

On my first day, we has a meeting with our zone. They are a really fun group, some Americans were able to help me figure out some questions I had. After, we had lunch with Simone. Here in Brasil, instead of dinner appointments, we have lunch appointments! It was kind of hard because people usually speak quickly, so following what they're saying is difficult. My companion is a great lunch companion, she is always engaged in the conversation and sometimes turns to me to see if I understood. Then we taught Evelyn, a thirteen year old that has committed to be baptized next Sunday! What a cool experience! At night, we gave pass-along cards to people. It was scary at first because I couldn't remember my memorized line "Queremos compartilhar este carto com você" (We want to share this card with you). It becomes easier to speak each day!

On Thursday, we taught Regina. We found Regina at her hair salon, it was raining and work was slow. So we taught the first lesson to her! I was asked to give the closing prayer, and afterwards, I saw that she was crying. For a second I was scared she was crying because my português was bad, but then Sister Moura started talking and I realized it was the spirit that touched her. How special that I could be an instrument in the Lord's hands!

On Friday, we had a really special experience with Kátia. She is known as an "infinitivo pesquisador", which means that she's doing all the right things, but she doesn't want to be baptized. After lunch, and we had talked for a while, I asked "O que impede você ser batizada?" (What is stopping you from being baptized?) She then told us about things in her live that had lined up, and how she wanted to be batpized! The only problem is that she's not married, and she has four kids. That's the situation for many people in Brasil; they have a family but don't get married because it's expensive. The law of chastity and eternal marriage are very important topics we teach here! She said she would talk to her husband about marriage once we left.

On Saturday, we taught Flávio. He had contacted the church and asked for a Book of Mormon. The lesson went poorly, to say the least. He is single and there was no woman that could be with us for the lesson, so we sat outside. It was late, and Satan easily scared me with different senarios that could happen. Because I was feeling this fear, the spirit couldn't reach me and I taught shortly and badly. Sister Moura said she couldn't feel the spirit either, so we are both praying that next time the spirit will be present. Flávio lives at the edge of our area, and it was a long walk home. I told Sister Moura about all of the thoughts I had had, and she asked me "Are those thoughts from you or from the spirit?" I didn't know, so we took the bus home.

Sunday was great! Everyone was really nice and could mostly understand me! It was fast Sunday, so I was able to bear my testimony. Something Sister Moura has helped me realize about myself is when I'm nervous, I can't teach. Because of this, she said "Teach what you know, not what you've memorized". This has really helped me in teaching lessons. Another thing she often says is "Calma" or "Tranquila". I am a naturally stressed person, so to have someone like Sister Moura in my life, someone to tell me to chill out, is a blessing! Anyway, that night we taught Vagner and his wife Taiane. He's an investigator and she's an inactive member. They are not married, and they have the cutest 2 year old named Ana! The spirit was definitely with me when I was able to testify about our purpose on this earth. Because I had pushed my nervousness aside, I could speak well and with the power given to me by God. This was a powerful experience for me because it has encouraged me to learn and know all of the lessons like I know about our purpose here. Vagner wants to be baptized, and said he will think about marriage. What a miracle! After the lesson, we had to run to the church for an appointment with the LMA. We actually ran up several hills. Let's just say that my heels are not happy with me!

In our planners, Sister Moura and I have a section called "Milagre no Dia" (Miracle of the day). This has really helped me to have gratitude in my life and to see His hand in the work. Sister Moura is a great companion, she's laid back but ready to get the work done! I've learned so much from her, especially because we've been practicing lessons and words as we walk.

Before I sign off, I want to tell about one more experience! Many people in Brazil know a lot about the Bible, and I've found my lack of knowledge embarrassing. So I started to study the book of Job. Usually, I would be hesitant to study the Old Testament, but I love it! The word of God, both the Bible and the Book of Mormon, are a blessing!

I think that's all I have time for! I don't think I can send picures, my camera is acting funky. I'll try to find a way to send them soon!

I love you all so much!
Sister Rollins-Carlson

Sister Carlson Arrives in the Field

A letter from Sister E Carlson's Mission President

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Sister Silcox and I were excited to welcome Sister Carlson in the Brazil São Paulo East Mission. She has been assigned to an area with a companion who will serve as her in-field trainer. You should receive an email or letter from your missionary in the next 10 days in which she will tell you about her area and her new companion. Her companion has been given the assignment to help your missionary become a powerful instrument in the hands of God in her missionary service. Sister Silcox and I will also do everything in our power to help her have a successful mission experience.

Preparation day for our mission is on Mondays. All missionaries are given the opportunity to email and/or write their families and close friends on that day. In as much as their time on the internet is limited, we encourage all to be brief in their communications.  The use of internet social sites such as Facebook, Twitter and other chat sites, including email “conversations”, are not approved for missionary use.  Note also that missionaries are allowed to call home, but only on Mother’s Day and Christmas Day. Should family emergencies arise or you have concerns or questions, please contact us in the mission office.

Letters and packages from home must be sent directly to the mission office. The office address is

Rua Caa-Açu, 229 Belenzinho
03122-010 Sâo Paulo SP
Brazil

We are confident that Sister Carlson will enjoy spiritual experiences and see miracles occur in the lives of people as she dedicates all of her heart, might, mind, and strength to this sacred calling from the Lord. We invite you to join your faith and prayers with ours in her behalf.

Sincerely yours,

President Silcox
Sister Silcox

Last letter from the CTM

Hello to all!

Thank you for your emails, they always warm my heart! Indigo, I'll be praying for your back, and Ivy, I'm so glad you love your room! Also, Connections will be over before your know it! AND YOU'RE BOTH IN INSTITUTE CHOIR I SCREAMED! It is honestly the BEST class on campus and I can't tell you how happy I am that you both are enrolled!

I don't have too much time, so I'll be fast. This last week has been pretty great! To start, I was called to speak in sacrament meeting with no warning! It's something that they do in the CTM, but I thought I would be called this Sunday! I shared 32:28 which is about letting the word of Christ grow in you like a mustard seed, and it will begin to be delicious to you! I bore testimony about how much I love the scriptures and how my time at the CTM has really increased my love for them! I'm glad I was able to have that practice right before I go out to the field!

This week has been a little hard, but that's great! Since Wednesday, we've had some special in field training to prepare us for the field, and I realized how unprepared I am! When the teachers were speaking in rapid Portuguese without breaking to ask if we understood, I felt a sense of major discouragement. But all is well! At night when I was in my room, I remembered that Heavenly Father called me to São Paulo East for a reason. He always qualifies who he calls. It's going to be really difficult right when I get out to the field, but that means I have a wonderful opportunity to really strengthen my faith and love for Jesus Christ and by trying my hardest, I can show Him that I am ready to be a dedicated servant of the Lord! What a blessing it is to be able to serve the Lord with all my heart for 18 months!

I think one of the hardest things will be getting a new companion, I have grown to love Sister Kearsley so much! We've gotten really close this week, and I hope at some point on our missions we'll be companions again! (She's been called to São Paulo East too!) Before, I told her that she was like a sister to me, and her response was "I think so too! I'm glad because these six weeks would be hard if we we're like sisters." I almost died, I not only love her spirit, but her sense of humor! She's really good at understanding the language, so I know she'll be fantastic!

Today was temple day! The Campinas temple is always beautiful, but today it wasn't raining! Totally different experience! The sun is bright today, and we got some cute pictures with the girls in our district. I also realized how much I love the temple today. It is a place I always want to be worthy of entering. And fun fact, the CTM mission president, Presidente Grahl, not only helped translate the Bible into Portuguese, but he has a part in the Portuguese endownment! And his daughter Larissa goes to BYU AND knows four languages! Sister Grahl is the sweetest person, she's so ready to give Mom hugs (which I really miss) and can speak some english, which has a blessing when we first got here. So pretty much I'm distraught that I have to leave such wonderful people, but I know that I'll love my new president just as much!

I think that's all I have time for! I won't be able to email until next Monday, but please still email me, I love to read what's going on! Thank you also for all your prayers!

Eu te amo!

Week 5!

Boa Tarde!

I hope you all are having an absolutely fantastic day! I am feeling just peachy! I don’t have too much time, so I’ll write some highlights from the week! 

Today was THE BEST! Instead of going to the temple in São Paulo, we went to the Campinas temple! It was a little sad that the Saõ Paulo temple was under construction, but wow my experience in Campinas was amazing! The temple itself is gorgeous, the structure is beautiful and the windows are stained purple! I don’t think I’ve been so in love with temples since the temple in Hartford opened! The reason why it was so amazing was because I did the entire session in Portuguese! All of the sisters in my district really wanted to speak Portuguese, but I was really scared to not have the English translation. I prayed really hard for the gift of tongues, and I received! It was a blessing that I attended the temple many times before I left on my mission because when I was lost with the Portuguese, my memory kicked in and translated what was happening! One of my instructors here said that the gift of tongues was anything spoken in a different language, whether it be read or poorly said! That gave me great comfort because no matter how bad my Portuguese is, it is still a gift and a blessing in my life!

It is still difficult to speak a lot of Portuguese at a time, but I’m able to form sentences on my own now! The thing that has helped me the most is my district! For this past week, we’ve had an English Fast all day, excluding meals and questions in grammar class. If week speak English 3 times when we’re not supposed to, no lanche! Lanche is a nighttime snack we receive every night and is very important because we eat dinner really early. This fast has been my saving grace! It’s been forcing me to really think in Portuguese and rely on my two best friends: The Holy Ghost and the Dictionary. When I don´t know a word or a phrase, instead of cracking and just saying it in English, I either look it up or ask a teacher "Como se diz ____?" I hope that all of this practice will help me in the field!

Earlier this week, I had a special experience with the sisters in my district. My companion is Sister Kearsley, and the other two sisters are Sister Bearden and Sister Dailey. We all really like to sing, so we decided it would be nice to sing a song for the Elders in our district. We chose "Careço de Jesus", or "I Need Thee Every Hour". We sang the first verse in English all together (we remember our roots), the second verse in Portuguese with harmony, and for the third verse I was able to sing a first soprano line that I made up. We sang it for the girls in our hallway, and the spirit was definitely there, but it was truly special when we sang for our Elders. I didn’t realize it until afterwards, but I had been singing with the Carlson Quartet! I could hear each of my sisters in each of my friends here. How sweet and tender are the mercies of Heavenly Father!

Sister Kearsley and I finally got new roommates! They are both so nice, and just laugh when I can’t understand or say something (which is often). Also they’re both gorgeous, and people over here are calling me cute! Just look at my roommates please! 

Anyway, this week has been good. I love both of my instructors, Irmão Santos and Irmão Merderios. They are both a riot! They both tell the funniest stories from the missions, and they’re really good about making sure that everyone in the class understands (usually I´m the last to understand an idea). Also, both of my instructors are also my investigators! Irmão Santos is Leonardo and Irmão Merderios is Nilton. With both investigators, we have been taking about the word of wisdom. They both like to drink coffee. So Sister Kearsley and I made a compromise: If they would stop drinking coffee, we would stop eating bread. And it has been so hard! Bread is at every meal! And I love bread! But I am willing to make that sacrifice for them so they can see how much the missionaries love them and want them to have eternal happiness in the gospel. No amount of bread could make me as happy as that. 

It’s been raining a lot here. I just learned that it rains most of the time in São Paulo, and that’s bad because I think about none of my shoes are water proof. Speaking of which, I thought my camera broke today! We were taking pictures after the temple session, and I asked Elder Moffitt to take a picture of us sisters. Right before I gave it to him, I said "Please don’t judge my camera." because it’s very zoomed in and there’s no way to zoom it out, so if you want a good picture you need to be standing far away. But three seconds after I say that he drops the camera and two of the batteries pop out! I just popped them back in and tried to turn it on, but it didn’t. He felt really bad, but I didn’t mind too much because the SM card was alright. When we were on the bus ride back, I took out the batteries again to dry them off because it had been rained when they fell out, and Elder Moffitt found out that I put the batteries in the wrong way! So it still works, but it was a funny experience!  

My time is up! I love you all so much and wish you the best! Tchau!

Sister Carlson

Aug 11, 2017

Boa Tarde!

It has been a week! Time is really starting to fly by in the CTM, and soon I'll be out of here and on the field!

Last week our district had the opportunity to proselyte! I was really nervous, and at the beginning, we weren't able to talk to anyone. One older man raised his hands up and said "Nope!" when I said hello. But it got way better once we crossed the street. The first man came up to Sister Kearsley and I and said we were doing an important work. So sweet! Then (as recommended by a teacher), Sister Kearsley told a young woman, "we’re learning how to speak Portuguese, would you mind helping us for a minute?" She said that she knew english but was willing to hear our message in Portuguese. It turns out she had met an RM at DisneyLand and he had told her a little bit about the church! We didn’t get her information because she doesn’t live in São Paulo, but it was a good confidence booster. For the third and the last person we met, Sister Kearsley and I had a method. We would zero in on someone waiting for a bus, and I would go sit down to adjust my socks (they did actually need fixing). We would say hello and then find a natural segway into our message. One was a kind Chinese Catholic woman, and the other was a young Evangelist woman. The fourth person we talked to was an old man walking the smallest dog. I asked the dog’s name and if I could pet her (which I just realized today was not allowed?) and he was really nice. It was hard to understand his Portuguese, but it was still a good experience. We did not manage to get any addresses for the missionaries in that area, which I was a little sad about, but it was a good learning experience.

Also for the past two weeks, I have has the opportunity to go on splits with a Brazilian! Her name is Sister Cantagesso, and she is so sweet. I was really worried last week because I didn’t know too much Portuguese, but she took that in stride and basically taught the entire lesson. I mainly bore testimony last week, but this week I was able to teach a big chunk of the restoration! In Portuguese! Sister Cantagesso said that my Portuguese had really improved, and I’m so grateful for the gift of tongues! There is no way on this earth I could know this much Portuguese without the help of the Lord! I still have a lot to learn about the language and myself, but I know that with the Lord I can do all things! I’ve also found out that I can speak some Portuguese, but my problem is being able to understand when other's speak. Something to improve!

All of the Brazilians are so sweet. Sister Kearsley and I had two roommates named Sister Santana and Sister Neves, but they left on Tuesday for the field! I definitely cried, but I know that they’ll both talk Campinas by storm! We haven't gotten new roommates yet, so it's been quiet at night.
I love my district so much. There are ten of us, and every person is just a riot! I'm so grateful that six out of the ten of us are going to the São Paulo Leste mission! It's been really fun to get to know everyone and become closer through Volei, Lanche, and TALL. (Volleyball, nighttime snack, and language learning program). I'm also grateful for the sisters in my district! Sister Kearsley has definitely saved my life several times, and we've been getting closer to Sister Bearden and Sister Dailey! A couple days ago, we recorded ourselves doing a round of I Like to Move It from Madagascar, and we could not stop laughing! That night after volleyball, I was opening the window in our room and Sister Dailey came running up behind me and scared me! I almost fell out the window. Good times.

My scripture study has been really fufilling too. I'm in Alma now, and I've loved reading through Mosiah. It's been a huge help to be highlighting and marking up my scriptures. What a blessing it is that a fourteen year old boy had the humility to pray and ask a question, which has changed the lives of thousands of people!

I have to go now, but I thought I'd let you know that I'm teaching the Relief Society lesson on Sunday! It's about Christ-like Attributes, another blessing! The Lord is good!

I love you all so much! Please continue to send pictures! Also I wouldn't mind some snail mail if you had the time!

--
Sincerely,
Sister Carlson

Second week in the CTM

Boa Tarde!!

It feels like a lifetime since I last emailed you all! I have so much to say, but so little time!

After I emailed you last week, I was able to go out and explore São Paulo! Yes, Mr Cheney´s Cookies is a thing, and since we were new, we got a cookie for free! Sister Kearsley and I didn´t explore too much, but the stores we did visit were super cool! Most everyone we´ve met is so nice and willing to communicate even though this language barrier has been a little tough!

This week has been another blur of language and spiritual study. We´ve been told that we need to be more diligent in our language study, and I panicked a little! Here at the CTM, sometimes I feel like I have to choose whether I study the spiritual or the language, and usually I choose the spiritual. I´ve really begun to crave reading my scriptures and learn more about Joseph Smith, which is such a blessing! Now I just really have to balance my time and focus on the language. The gift of tongues is real, but Heavenly Father can´t bring something to my remembrance if it´s not already there! The atonement is a wonderful tool that can be utilized for any circumstance in life, and I´ve definitely been using it to help change my attitude of discouragement into determination!

I´ve been getting kind of sick this past week. Everyone seems worried, but it´s just a scratchy throat, a runny nose, and some occasional crazy coughs. I received an anointing and blessing from Elder Nielsen and Elder Sherrow (elders of my district) and it was a very sweet experience. I am grateful for worthy priesthood holders in my life, and the fact that they care for my welfare. We finished district prayer last night when Elder Sherrow said, "You know Sister, you have six elders in this district that would all be happy to give you a blessing if you need it." Such a sweet thing to say! One of the first things it said in the blessing was that My Father in Heaven is proud of me, and I really needed to hear that! Now, I want to work even harder to become even better!

I´m really grateful for this week. It has been filled with ups and downs, but I think I´ve come out a better person. My companion and I are definitely closer because of it. I´m growing to love her more as I set myself aside and try to understand her. We have very different personalities, needs, and backgrounds, and I´m grateful for this friendship!

Before I forget, I now have two different names among the Brazilians! The first one is Adele (I guess I look like her?), the second one is Sister Legal (which means cool in Portuguese, they don´t like pronouncing my long name!) it´s especially fun during volleyball! It is such a blessing to be with these awesome people, it will not be hard to love my investigators if they are all like this!

Yesterday I was told my mission is the best (which I already know). Here, it is called São Paulo Leste. But the Brazilian I was talking to said it was São Paulo (Ce)Leste! I was also told that my mission was known for match making, as in people found their spouses on the field and got married afterward. I may have given a little huzzah at that knowledge, but who´s counting? Sister Grahl has told everyone in the CTM to "lock your heart" and have an eye single to the Lord, so I will definitely need to use that bit of advice!

Tomorrow we´ve been told that we are proselyting with actual people tomorrow! AH!! I´m more than a little nervous, but the temple trip today was really wonderful in giving me peace. I know that I will most likely mess up when talking to people, but that´s all a part of the growing experience! 

Thank you, I love you!

Sister Carlson leaves for the Brazil MTC

Today Eme Left for the Brazil MTC in São Paulo.  We miss her already but we are so excited for her and the opportunities she will have to serve and to learn and grow.  Godspeed Sister Carlson.  

Passport, Tickets, Money

Um...  My return flight?  In 18 months.  The date?  (Does date math).

Fun with the ladies at the Checkin counter

Picture of a picture of a wonderful missionary

Last photo at the airport with the family!