December 10th

Well I finally made it fam bam

Sorry I didn't call in the airport in Atlanta.  We were all looking for a pay phone but couldn't find one and thought food was more important.  The Atlanta airport is huge - good thing you guys talked about it or I would have been so lost.  So we got to the CTM around 9 am.  I swear I about threw up on the way here because our bus driver was crazy!  It was like he stole it - no rules out on the freeway.  There area so many motorcycles just lane splitting and I was hoping one would get hit so I could have a lil entertainment for this long day - jk.  The policia are so sketchy they drive around with their guns out of the car looking for trouble.  But let me tell you Brazil is beautiful - It's a lot like Hawaii.  The buildings and everything are all colorful and everything is really green.  But it is sooooo hot! I feel like I'm sitting in a sauna right now.  Like can I get an air conditioner or something?  I probe have the nicest pit stains on me right now.

I got assigned to a trio companionship.  Both kids are new like me and their both from Utah.  One of them is low-key and looks and sounds like Corey the Wagstaff's cousin.  He rangles cows and stuff like that so he's a legit cowboy.  He talks about his guns and shooting his bucks.  My other companion plays basketball.

They gave us only an hour to sleep when we got here and I barely got any sleep on the airplane.  I ended up moving towards the back so I could sit with a mish that has already gone to the MTC in Provo for 3 weeks.  I felt better talking to someone.

 

I have a crazy upset stomach, what should I take?  Nothing much has gone on today so far- I'll keep you updated when more fun stuff happens, haha! I miss you guys- it was hard leaving and I'm thinking about you guys.   Keep me in your prayers and I'll keep you in mine.  We don't have time to email anyone else sorrzz
love ya-
Elder Mauter

Dear Parents,

Sister Swensen and I are very happy to let you know that your missionary has arrived safely at the Brazil Missionary Training Center.  What a great joy and privilege it is to greet each missionary as they begin their missionary experiences with us. We will surely take good care of your missionary.                                                                                                     

The missionaries now have companions and are settled into their rooms.  They are assigned to a district with capable and caring instructors for language and lesson study.  Their branch presidents and wives, will meet them this Sunday.  These wonderful couples are richly blessed as they work with, motivate, and interview the missionaries assigned to their branch.

The MTC has a full-time live-in physician to care for their health needs.  He is assisted by his able wife who is a nurse. We are also happy to report that the cafeteria food is plentiful, healthy and very good.

Your missionary will be able to e-mail home on Preparation Day after a morning at the Temple.  This will be either Wednesday or Friday, depending on individual assignments.

Your missionary is about to make an eternal difference in the lives of many others. President Lorenzo Snow said:"There is no mortal man that is as interested in the success of an elder when he is preaching the Gospel as is the Lord who sent him to preach to the people who are the Lord's children".  We love these missionaries as if they were our own.  We will watch over them carefully to ensure they are ready for a wonderful missionary experience after the rewarding time they will have in the MTC.

We thank you for preparing such a wonderful representative of the Lord.

President Robert Swensen and Sister Julie Swensen