Coloring at Conference...

I remember coloring at conferences as a child.  I remember watching my children color...(quietly please).   I remember our small grandchildren coloring my joy as we listened to inspired words.  Yesterday, as I sat in Conference behind a coloring child, sweet memories washed over me. It is a miracle of happiness to be unencumbered by the world; to be able to color quietly between both a mother and a father who want to drink every word and who love you enough to take you and your crayons to conference.  A child can feel that kind of love...even while coloring.

We had a marvelous ZONE conference this week as well as our DISTRICT CONFERENCE and got to hear from President and Sister Oliveira in five different meetings (some on this side of the island and some on the other side.  They bring a loving spirit wherever they go and everyone here looks so forward to their visits!  They give powerful trainings and inspired talks. What a blessing for us to learn from such great leaders and to get to spend time with them in planning and meetings and while driving those crazy roads together.  They are such a blessing for the Cabo Verdians (...and for us!).  

Two sessions were held, one in Cova Figueira and one in Sao Filipe...both full to the rafters and standing! 

 

I got to share my testimony in the Saturday Adult session and also help with the Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary Trainings.  What wonderful women I get to work with!

President Oliveira has asked Pres. Benedict to speak about Marriage and Family everywhere we go.  What a nice gift to be able to hear him speak about one of our very favorite subjects!
Above is one of my favorite photos...just look at that handsome speaker!
I was asked to take photos for a history during the conference...(Oh my!  I would be happy to!)  When I saw the little girl (first photo) coloring while we were standing to sing a hymn...I noticed that she had parents on either side of her.  Such a rare thing on our Island here in Fogo.  Very Rare. The photo is symbolic of the goal of our mission.  Families can be together Forever. 

 To My Parents: Did I ever remember to thank you for taking me and my crayons to conference?  I am eternally grateful.  I remember Daddy polishing our shoes on Saturday nights and Momma putting those pink spongy rollers in our hair.  Thank you for teaching me about Sabbath blessings and about family. We are here trying to teach the same promises.  Oh, that every child could feel so loved...