bits of this n' thats!

This past week has been full of budget and financial trainings in the branches: Sao Filipe 1, Sao Filipe 2, Congresso, e Relva.  This photo is during a training on the Island of Brava earlier.

We enjoyed helping with the Seminary and Institute Graduation. We are excited to start the New Testament classes in September!

 More visits on the hillside on the Island of Brava with President Cardosa.

A fun Seminary Super Saturday with Brother Neves from Mindelo about Faith and Courage, using David and Goliath as our theme.

Last Saturday, we participated in a Young Men (rapazes--prounounced: ha-paw-zez) and Young Women (mocas--pronounced: moe-suzz) conference on The Strength of Youth.  Over 70 youth were in attendance and in groups of ten, they traded rooms with each theme.  Ours theme (presented 7 times) was the importance of keeping our thoughts clean and using wisdom in using the internet, TV, and music. We learn so much as we love these young people. Satan cannot have the three things that matter most: A body, A Marriage, A Family...and that is why he tries so hard to destroy ours.  Traditions on the island are sometimes difficult to overcome...but the youth are understanding that every soul is of great value and that with faith, education and wise choices, they will be blessed and so will their island and their future families!

We are used to the roads now...and only occasionally do I close my eyes anymore!

Our electrician would certainly come on Monday.  We waited...we waited...finally we called because the appointment to fix the electricity was at 9 am.  He answered.  We reminded him of the time.  Oh, he would be there mais tarde...he needed to get his haircut and then he would want to go home and take a shower.  Last week he couldn't come because he needed to find someone who could cut the plastic that goes over the cord along the wall.  It is now a week later... I got out a knife and cut the plastic to go over the cord that Stan repaired and wired. I think maybe 'mais tarde' means: "not now...and maybe...even most probably... never"  Either that...or he has a slow barber who needs sharper scissors!

We celebrated our 39th Wedding Anniversary in June...I really like my Missionary Companion!        

A week ago, a new branch was formed in Sao Filipe.  President de Pina (Pai...the Seminary teacher that I wrote about earlier) is the new President.  He has not been a member for a whole year yet. His is such an inspiring story

Yesterday, (Sunday), Pres. Benedict went to meetings in Relva with Pres. Lourenco (in District Presidency)  to call a new counselor there.  They dropped me off to attend meetings in Cova Figueira.  I needed to talk to three people about a humanitarian sewing machine and how it can be used to bless families in the branch.  I thought maybe we could visit after the meetings before dad would return and we would drive two missionaries to the airport in Sao Filipe on our way back home.  You can imagine my surprise as I was sitting in Sacrament meeting just trying to be nice...when they announced that anyone interested in learning to sew clothing should meet with Sis. Benedict after Sacrament meeting!!!  Oh MY!  

My small little visit now included nearly 20 people all looking at me to teach them "costuming" (how to sew).

I swallowed...I got out my piece of chalk...(always have one with me-never go anywhere without it) and proceeded to the chalkboard.  We had a 20 minute discussion about the sewing machine, it's uses, what the responsibilities entail, and how to share and schedule it.  They answered my questions, so they must have understood my presentation.  I mentioned that we have blessings like the sewing machine to make us happy.  They seemed to leave the meeting happy.  I left thankful for my piece of chalk and help with my talk. Maybe next time I can teach them how to sew tailored business suits. Yes, that would be nice. ;)

We love teaching the Gospel and witnessing that certain Light that comes into the eyes of those who want to know more.  Pres. Benedict stays very busy with interviews, meetings, trainings, visits, classes, counsels, computers, emails, finances, organizing, Perpetual Education classes, centro for young adult activities, phone calls, last minute emergencies, travels, and a thousand details...(a thousand and twenty-two to be precise) and I try to keep him fed, on time, and happy!  Because of him...that's easy to do!