Hello from Braga!!!
Hello all!
I am all settled in Braga now. We didn’t get here until Friday unfortunately, but we are up and running now. My comp’s names are Elder Silva, and Elder Lee. Elder Lee just started his mission, and I am training him. He is my “son”. He is from California. Elder Silva is Brazilian, but has lived most of his life here in Portugal. They are both cool kids, and we have been getting some good work done here. Braga is a beautiful city! I love it here. We are pretty far up in northern Portugal. It is a lot greener up here! It is a very peaceful city. The part I like the best, is there are 2 major universities here meaning there are a lot of college age students. We have a lot of young adults in our ward, it’s way cool. We walk a ton though. It has been over a year since I’ve had to walk. I have been blessed with a car for the past year of my mission. Oh well, I don’t mind it too much. It has just taken a little bit of getting used to!
We weren’t able to baptize this week unfortunately. We fought hard, but came up a little short. We had a person marked named Patrick. He had to go to Lisboa to take care of some documents, and did not make it back yesterday. He just got here this morning. We are going to try to get him baptized early on this week though. We also have 2 more people marked for this weekend named Gina and Ana. Pray for them all, they all need your help! I am really liking the people here though, and the city!
It’s weird being away from Lisbon. I spent the last year in Lisbon. It’s much colder up here as well. Our apartment is freezing in the mornings. We live on the 14th floor, which makes for a pretty cool view! It has been super cool so far though. I am really liking this place. There is a good chance that I will “die” in this area. Or in other words, I will end my mission in this area. That’s not a for sure thing, but I’m guessing there is a pretty good chance.
Things are going really well though. I felt like I had a little bit of stress lifted off my shoulders after leaving Sacavém, but the stress definitely isn’t over yet. I’m pretty sure Heavenly Father is preparing me for a stressful life. I think this will help me handle stress a little more. I have definitely learned a good deal of patience. It has been good.
So, that’s really all for now. Just been keeping busy as always. I hope everyone back at home is doing well! I am praying for all of you.
Take care!
Elder Porter
