Americans arriving at the São Paulo MTC

Group picture with President and Sister Clark that we email to the parents of  each group of arriving  missionaries. This is the March 23, 2011 picture of the Americans.  Only the second such group we have received in the last 5 or 6 months.

Elder Abraham M. Rawlings from Moroni Utah was the only missionary to ride in the van that carried all of the luggage for the 17 Americans that arrived at the São Paulo MTC on March 23rd. He helped the driver unload the bags before the van carrying the other missionaries arrived. 

Waiting for the other van to arrive.

We didn't have to wait long.  The Elder in the front seat is taking a picture of us as I am taking his picture. Depending on the traffic, it is about a 30 minute drive from the airport to the MTC (on a good day). The MTC has a contract with a transit company to provide the vans and buses that we use for all our transportation needs.

Missionaries almost always take an overnight flight to Brazil,  usually from Dallas or Atlanta.  So when they finally get to the MTC they are exhausted.  These missionaries are no exception.  We try to keep them awake until after dinner when they are free to go to bed early if they wish.  But by then, many have found their second wind don't retire until the normal time of 10:30 pm.

This group is one of the first to use our new secure unloading area.  Food and material deliveries as well as garbage pick ups are made from this area. We also load and unload missionaries here who are going to or coming from the temple.

Brother José Peçanha, mission secretary, takes an individual picture of each missionary for administrative purposes as well as a group picture which we email to their parents. Elder Adam W. Schwartz from Kennewick, Wasinhgton is shown here having his photo taken.  He will serve in the Porto Alrgre South mission.

Elder Schwartz again finding his name so he can write in the email address of his parents.

We are so thrilled to again have groups of Americans finally getting their visas so that they are able to come to the MTC.  Here several are waiting for the final Elder to have his picture taken. From left to right in front; Sister Chanel K. Grant from Yakima Washington, Sister Ruth Lindsey Turner from Vancouver Washington, Sister Kamryn Elyse Bailey from North Bend Washington, Elder Noah R. Krulish from Sammamish Washington; Back Row,  Elder Kurtis R. Brodhead from Everett Washington, Elder Trevor R. Pearcy from Slippery Rock Pennsylvania, Elder Abraham M Rawlings from Moroni Utah and Elder David L. Potts from Issaquah Washington. Notice how many are from the Northwest.  They submit their request for a Brazilian visa through the San Francisco consulate.  For some reason those who submit their requests through Los Angeles consulate (Utah, Arizona, So. California, Nevada and Idaho) are not yet receiving their visas.