Day 39

Pictures and longer messages after next week.

This is the last scramble (hopefully) across 45 minutes (actually less) to get something out to you.

Brasilian attempts at American food are hit and miss. We did get pepperoni once, but since then Thursday lunch (pizza) tends to veer to the strange side. One topping was just greasy cheese and  corn... interesting.

The local food makes up for it. The kitchen served churrasco, beef and chicken barbecue kebabs. Very popular everywhere in the south.

Took one last trip to the temple, possibly for the next two years. I've heard different things about missionary trips to temples in the South but at best: one trip per year, if at all.

Teaching lessons this week with a different set of brasilians. This week, I'm in a trio with two brasilians. One is a talker, one isn't. The more outgoing one speaks whenever given the chance, and fast. In the pair we taught, an American sister on Week 2 at the MTC, understood next to nothing. Luckily, in most cases, a smile and a nod will get you through when being taught.

I'd estimate a total of about 100 lessons taught so far. The first few: *everything* written out, including prayers, invitations, questions, references, etc.

Now we just bring a few scriptures and have a lesson planned for 15-30 minutes, depending. Tomorrow is our last "real" day, everything after is saying goodbyes, packing up, etc.

I've forgotten every single crumb of German, Portuguese has replaced all of it. Not too torn up about it, though.

Let the other Spence (bishop!) know he's a good pick.

I'll write more next time

-Elder Hopkinson