My flight to Brazil started early in the morning. I needed to be at the airport at 5:20. It's a good thing my friend Nancy was taking me, because I overslept and she had to wake me up! I was so relaxed from the MTC training being over and everything packed that I relaxed a little bit too much!
Nancy stayed with me all the way to my going through security, helping me lug those heavy bags and get them checked in. I was so grateful for her help!
I had a five-hour layover in Atlanta, and Liza came to take me out of the airport for some fresh air and sunshine! She made me some amazing green juice and a healthy lunch and we ate it at the CNN Center. It was a refreshing break- then back to the airport for the next leg of the flight.
After a nine-hour flight, I arrived in São Paulo at 6 a.m. Sister Ericksen and Sister Doutre picked me up. Then, we had an hour van ride and I was at my new home. I even was able to sleep for about an hour on the plane!
We got our little shopping carts and took off for the local Carrefour, which was in a mall next to the temple grounds. I needed groceries right away because the next day was Sunday. I bought all kinds of things that I needed- then remembered that I had no car and needed to walk everything home!!
I learned something new about Brazil- stairs aren't always where you think they will be! I came down the escalator with my little cart full of groceries and things and didn't see that there were two steps there. I fell and the stuff went flying! I wasn't hurt- it was only two steps - but everyone around was so nice and wanted to help me. Can you see I was embarrassed? They put me in a wheelchair, a fireman came to transport me, and they took me to the medical office at the mall, where an EMT looked me over. THIS WAS MY FIRST DAY IN BRAZIL!!! (So embarrassing!)
But it all ended well. The EMT was named Roberta, Sister Chipman spoke fluent Portuguese and everything ended happily. We even gave her a Pass Along Card for the 
Temple Visitor's Center. What a first day!
Comments13
Looks like you hit the…
Looks like you hit the ground running (and falling) 😂 from the get go. I’m glad it’s been such a great experience so far and that you made it there safely. Enjoy your first full week!
Wow
First day be careful
YAY!
happy you made it to brazil! We are so excited to hear more! Glad you are okay, the stairs are CRAZY in brazil haha.
Thankful for your safe arrival!
Things I am sure you are grateful for:
• Safe arrival of you and your luggage in Brazil! 🇧🇷 Prayers answered 🙏
• Not being badly hurt by your fall ♿️
• Being met by new female friends! 💕
• Having a store close and finding food for the Sabbath.
I am so grateful for this evidence of the Lord watching over you.
Love you and miss you my friend❣️
Thankful for your safe arrival!
Things I am sure you are grateful for:
• Safe arrival of you and your luggage in Brazil! 🇧🇷 Prayers answered 🙏
• Not being badly hurt by your fall ♿️
• Being met by new female friends! 💕
• Having a store close and finding food for the Sabbath.
I am so grateful for this evidence of the Lord watching over you.
Love you and miss you my friend❣️
Brazil will be blessed!
Hey there Sista Cheek!
I’m so glad I finally have your blog to catch up on all the fun things in your life!
Sorry you missed those stairs! Ouch! Take care of yourself and enjoy your new mission life! 💕
I attended the last session of the Washington DC Temple dedication tonight. It was so wonderful to hear all the spiritual talks and so happy out temple is finally open!
Sister Cheek, you make new…
Sister Cheek, you make new friends in the most odd ways😂, I’m so glad you were okay. Love you so much❤️
Wow! Welcome to Brasil!!!
Oh wow! What a day. Loved the picture with the nurse Roberta!!! Hope All is well!!
So glad you made it without an ankle injury!
I am so excited for you and envious! Are you going to be working at the temple visitor center?
Hello!
What an amazing first day!!! Glad you are ok, boy Brazil is lucky you are there ♥️ Take care and hopefully your next few days aren’t as exciting 🤣🤣
Love you Sister Cheek
OH NO! 🫣
Well, you got through it! Good for you & quick thinking giving out a pass a long card too! You’ve got this! So glad you weren’t hurt. Go you!!!
Parabéns!
Thank you so much for sharing these stories! I loved reading back through all your experiences in the MTC and your exciting arrival in Brazil! What an adventure you are already having, and meeting wonderful and supportive people. I’m so happy for you! And I’m sure you’re rocking the Portuguese and learning more every day!
First day
You sure had an interesting first day! What an interesting way to share the gospel. Fall down 2 steps! Hope you don’t find the second day quite as colorful!