My name is Ben Farley and I'm 22 years old. I lived for two years in Brazil as a missionary in the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. For the first nine months of my stay there I lived only with other Brazilians, therefore I was obligated to learn the language as fast as I could. I worked with people from all parts of the country (Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Santa Catarina, Pernambuco, etc.) so I was able to experience different accents and forms of speaking from Brazil's several distinct regions. While my focus was on teaching religious subjects, I often volunteered to teach people English when time permitted. I also translated formal religious discourses and theological essays for my Brazilian co-workers.
I have been practicing my Portuguese since I have returned home in May by video calls to friends in Brazil, watching movies, and reading books in Portuguese.