The lovely Porto Alegre North Mission.  Called "PAN" for short.   To hear it spoken in Portuguese click here: Porto Alegre is the capital and largest city in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The city population is 1,509,939 inhabitants (2010), the tenth most populous city in the country and the centre of Brazil's fourth largest metropolitan area, with 4,405,760 inhabitants (2010). The city is the southernmost capital city of a Brazilian state. Porto Alegre is one of the top cultural, political and economic centers of Brazil.
Porto Alegre was founded in 1772 by immigrants from the Azores, Portugal. In the late 19th century the city received many immigrants from other parts of the world, particularly from Germany, Italy, and Poland. The vast majority of the population is of European descent.

Will be set apart August 19, 2013.  I report to the Missionary Training Center in Provo on August 21, 2013 if my visa from Brazil does not come through.  I report to the São Paulo CTM on August 21st if my visa comes through.  Please pray for the Brazilian Consulate to work quickly.  All things are possible with the Lord.

What a whirlwind summer it has been!  Graduated in May, received the Melchizedek priesthood and was ordained an Elder, had my Eagle Court of Honor, went to the temple for my endowment, and have only six more weeks until I am set apart as a full-time missionary and head to the Missionary Training Center.  I loved the temple and did not want to leave.  I love the spirit there and the way my understanding of all things spiritual has grown.  I love my Lord Jesus Christ and my Heavenly Father and can not wait to serve them and the people of Brazil.