I Made It

Elder DeGraw, Elder Smith (his companion) their 2 roomates in the back, the zone leaders in the front)

Kyle's study desk

Elder Smith from Minnesota with Kyle

Kyle's bed

Kyles apartment

Hey! 

Yeah I made it! I am in an area called Lago de Silverio. It is is a town called Jau. I had to drive 3 hours to get to my area. It is basically one of the farthest areas, on the border of my mission. So that was a fun drive! 

My last week was good, I hated saying goodbye to my district. I also was anxious about the change, and to see what was coming up next. The exit devotional was strange too. They divided all of us up in the auditorium. So that was super weird. The last week was a strange one because of the Coronavirus dilemma. They separated all of us, didn't have devotionals. All sorts of strange things went on. The morning we left was a sad one. I had to say goodbye to all my district, and everything felt so fast! One second we were all in the classroom playing signs and laughing and the next we were on a bus to different areas. But I was excited. Excited to see what was next. 

My luggage made it safely because we had our luggage with us on the bus the whole time. I appreciated having some time on the bus to sleep and get to know the Elder next to me. He was a Brazillian, and didn't speak much English. It was nice to get to know 

My mission president is cool. I can tell that he loves all of us, and that he cares so much. My interview with him was really cool and I loved President Barros testimony he shared with me. 

Because of the Coronavirus things are becoming crazy. Situations are changing really quick and I am still super confused. Hopefully we will know soon enough.

My companion's name is Elder Smith. He is from Minnesota and seems really cool. I can tell that he has the spirit with him and teaches with it too. 

I am feeling happy sometimes. I have been feeling a lot of anxiety. I am sure that is normal, it is just a feeling I haven't felt very often so its weird

I love you, And I love the whole family. You guys are so special to me and I hope that you are all safe. Keep me updated. I love getting emails and hearing from you guys. 

Eu amo voces

Elder DeGraw

Some additional information from our video chat: 

He lives with 2 Brazilians and his companion. 

He likes the humidity.

The houses have gates, so he and his companion stand at the gate and clap. Someone usually yells "Who is it?" and they answer "The Elders"... 

He has met drunks on the street every day that he has been there. He cant understand what they are saying, and was a little concerned when one grabbed him. 

The missionary that he sat by on the bus was in a gang before he left on his mission.

His area is shaped like a V... meaning that half the town in on one steep hill and half is on the other. He is walking up hills all day. 

He had 15 contacts yesterday (guess the word about social isolating hasnt really reached them yet) and was going out fro ice cream after our chat. 

He is LOVING Brazil and the people. They are humble and generous and kind. He is getting the language. There were even a couple times in our conversation that he had to stop and process the English word in his Portuguese-focused brain.

He has a baptism set for the 28th. He will likely not be there for it...

He was with the zone leaders when they got a text from the mission president saying that all American missionaries would most likely be sent home in the next week, to be reassigned in their home countries. The timing and details are unknown. He is pretty sad, but trusting God's plan. When he was set apart by the stake president, He was told that he would see members progressing and then see things happen to thwart that progress. He was told that that part of his mission would break his heart. In our conversation Kyle said, "We all thought that would be something else, not that my heart would be breaking because I had to come home." Its sad. 

Beginning Monday, they are to be on self-quarantine completely. They were given extra money to buy food and supplies. Kyle's companion and zone leaders decided that since they were likely going home in a week, they didn't need to... that is a decision that I pray they dont end up regretting. Kyle said they have a good supply of rice.