Happiness is . . .

Serving a mission in Brazil had many benefits. One major one was that I was blessed to have all Brazilian companions. Because I spent all day every day with a Brazilian, I became Brazilian. I learned Portuguese far more quickly than I would have had I had American companions. They taught me about the culture, about the food, and about life. They taught me how to be Brazilian. I learned so much from each one of my companions. There is a bond that comes when you are working so closely with someone to spread the word of God.

However, one huge disadvantage of having all Brazilian companions is that now that we are no longer missionaries I don't get to see them, and it is unlikely that I will have the opportunity to see them all again in this life. Thanks to Facebook we are able to stay in touch, but it would still be nice to get to see them every now and then!

I had one companion in particular, Mari, who became one of my best friends. We ended up serving together for three transfers (around 5 months). You would think that being together 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 5 months would drive you insane, but quite the opposite happened. We became best friends, sisters with no physical resemblance. We worked hard and laughed often. We are both incredibly goofy, so we were a good fit. Those months are some of the happiest memories I have of my mission.

By the time the five months were up we could finish each others sentences. We were so used to the other there that the transition to a new companion for each of us was pretty difficult. I vividly remember standing at the bus station and giving Mari a huge bear hug. I climbed on the bus with tears streaming down my face, knowing I would likely never see her again. It was tough.

Yet something wonderful happened. Mari finished her mission and fell in love with an American missionary that had also served in our mission. They were married early last year. After many months of fighting for a visa Mari was finally able to come into the US last month. She and her husband now live a mere TWO hour drive away, instead of trip that would take 24 hours and several thousands of dollars to make.

Yesterday I was able to visit with Mari for the first time since we said goodbye in that Brazilian bus station. It felt like nothing had ever changed. We sat and talked and giggled and joked. It didn't even matter that my Portuguese is not quite what it used to be. She is still my Brazilian sister! It was a very, very happy day!