[Letter]
Hi Mom,
How are things?
I’m finally in Rio de Janeiro, can you believe it?
The apartment Dante and Miguel found is amazing, it really is everything they said over the phone.
I got the biggest room, with a view of a fancy hotel across the street that’s covered in mirrors.
The street has a lot of trees and not much traffic.
It even looks a little like Pingo, but in Copacabana.
The nearest subway station is only two blocks away.
Before classes start, I’ve been trying to get off at different stations and learn the city.
Of course I went to see Christ the Redeemer.
And I prayed for you, for Bishop Lygia and the entire congregation of the Universal Church of the Crucified Lord.
I found a church near the apartment too, with services on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and I’m thinking about joining.
I mentioned to pastor Sérgio that you’re a deaconess together with Bishop Lygia, and he was so excited—he said he loves her, too.
After the service, he invited me to his house and showed me his DVD collection.
There were about four of the bishop’s sermons, including her show in Salvador, which is harder to find.
We watched the DVDs and sang “The Father’s Anointed” and “Lord, Come Bless Me” and other lesser-known songs, like “Praise to the Glorious One,” “Count Your Blessings,” and “Heal Me, O Lord.”
I registered for my classes this week, too.
The campus is gorgeous, like something out of a movie, with benches under the trees and grassy courtyards.
I got a little stressed registering for all my classes.
It’s crazy the amount of paperwork we have to submit.
Anyway, I’m now officially a computer science major at PUC Rio de Janeiro!
And a very proud one, thank you very much!
The apartment has everything you need close by (even closer than at home): a supermarket, a diner, a flower shop, a nail salon, a bakery, a dance studio, and at least three gyms. I know you must be worried about my weight, so you’ll be happy to know I joined one.
They’ve got this cool weight-loss program for people like me, with a personal trainer and everything.
The instructor has already put together a fitness plan for me, with a lot of cardio and some strength training to help me lose body fat.
I went yesterday and again today, and I’m aiming to go tomorrow as well.
And apparently on Thursdays there’s a farmer’s market nearby, a few blocks down.
I’m planning to get some fruits and vegetables there.
My idea is to completely cut out soda, chocolate, and fried foods and just stick to juice.
It’ll help me feel healthier. You’ll be so proud when you come visit me.
Your son in college and thin! Can it get any better than that?
I’m also enclosing a classic Rio postcard in this letter, Christ with open arms.
God bless you.
With love,
Leit?o