Elder Tolen's Adventures in Campinas, Brazil: Week 1: Adjusting

This is Elder Tolen's mom! He only had a few minutes to write this morning; their schedule at the CTM, especially these first couple weeks, is really busy! I did get to talk to him on a video call (well...one-way video. He could see me, but there are no cameras on the CTM computers and they are not allowed to plug anything into the computers. I was just delighted to hear his voice!). His email to everyone is below (I think starting next week he will send this out from his own email address). He's learning a lot; the food is "good" but not great (and they served pizza with peanuts on it one night, so he's a little cautious about all the "American-izing" of the food in the CTM that hopefully won't happen once he gets out into Campinas). He said that every morning he usually just eats a ham and cheese sandwich (pressed in a panini maker); lunch and dinner he sticks to the rice and beans because he isn't sure what is in the sauce they are putting on the meats. But he doesn't mind! He said that Fast and Testimony meeting this past Sunday was amazing--such a strong spirit, and powerful testimonies of the Savior and His Atonement. His Branch President in the CTM is a Brazilian who only speaks a small bit of English, but the two counselors are Americans who served missions in Brazil back when there were only 4 missions there (today there are 35).

He said the first few days were pretty tough, just missing home and adjusting to the new routine. But he's doing better now, working hard to learn Portuguese, feeling the Spirit. He's happy! You can write back to him at joseph.tolen@missionary.org. He would love to hear from you!

Here's what he wrote:

Hello, everyone! Wow--this week in the Brazil CTM has been crazy! Especially for the first few days, adjusting was really hard. I am starting to understand Portuguese a little more! I can't believe I've already been here a week! I was also made district leader, so that's fun!

Especially in the first few days, Satan was really trying to bring me down. And then a thought came to mind: Think about the prophets and apostles. Would a person like that ever lie to us? Of course not! I testify that this Gospel is true. Times will get tough and Satan will try to bring you down. Never forget the love that the Savior has for you. He suffered and died for you. He knows what you are going through. I love you and miss you all!

Elder Tolen