My Farewell

Thank you to everyone who came to my farewell and open house this past Sunday! It was so nice to see everyone before I leave this next week. I will be flying out of the Salt Lake airport on Tuesday the 26th and arrive at the MTC in Brazil the following day.

Here are a few facts about the Brazilian MTC (pictured above):

Presided over by: President and Sister Swenson

Home to: Excellent cafeteria, a gymnasium, walking track, weight room, and garden areas around the grounds of the MTC for outdoor study

Capacity: 646 Missionaries

Dedicated: May 1997 by Elder Russell M. Nelson

And it is the second biggest MTC as well as the largest Church-owned building outside the United States. I am excited to arrive!

In case you weren't able to make it to my farewell, here's a link to my talk.

--

Elder Joseph Andrew

Porto Alegre North Mission

Caixa Postal 13008

CEP 91010-971

Porto Alegre-RS

Brazil

The Countdown!

On April 10th I was sitting in my living room when the mailman pulled up. Just as I glanced out the window I saw him place a large white envelope in the box. He had scarcely pulled away before I was at the mailbox ripping it open and locating the letter I had been waiting several weeks for.

When I finally opened it and read the cover page, I found out that I would be serving for 2 years in the Brazil Porto Alegre North Mission! I will report to the Missionary Training Center in Sao Paulo, Brazil on August 27th. There I will learn Portuguese for 6 weeks before arriving in my mission (Porto Alegre).

When I first received my call, I had approximately a third of a year to wait until I would finally leave. It seemed like an eternity away. Now, thanks to the arrival of my Visa, I have only 14 days left!

I express gratitude for all that has been done on my behalf that has made this possible. From childhood I have always desired to serve Heavenly Father by taking 2 years off of work, dating, and schooling to preach His gospel wherever He would send me, and now this dream is about to come to fruition! Come hear me speak in church this Sunday, August 17th, at 11am in the chapel at 475 West 400 North. I would love to see you all there!