Ahhhhh! The Boat to BRAVA!

 We go to the boat docks to get supplies from Praia.  One night we got 300 boxes of Humanitarian supplies: 600 school kits for children, and approx.1,000 kits (soap, toothbrushes, washclothes,etc.) to give to the recipient families whom the church is helping supply water lines to their homes. The families are taught basic principles of water conservation, safety, and usage and then given their kits.  One time we got almost 300 Bibles and Books of Mormon to distribute.  A couple of weeks ago, we recieved the new years curriculum order (37 boxes!) to take to the branches.  Friday night Grandpa was at the boat dock until after midnight loading boxes of Liahonas (Ensigns).    The traffic is... well...whatever everyone decides at the moment and it gets interesting.  But these photos are during the day when things are fairly logical and quiet!!!

The boat dock has to be seen to be believed...especially at night! We have seen trucks so loaded down with supplies that they can't make it up the hill.  Pick-ups with flat tires that just keep going.  People carry suitcases, guide goats, push against cows, balance buckets full of beans on their heads, carry fish in buckets, ugh against taped up boxes, bins, tied grocery sacks, stacks, racks, and all these are hand hefted into large numbered bins which are fork-lifted onto the boat and retrieved by the owner after the bouncy, frownsy, ride across the high seas! 

You all know that Grandpa doesn't do boats.  Bless Him!  And I don't do windy steep roads.  

EXCEPT.. the island of Brava is part of our District and you can only get there by boat and to the top of the mountain by winding-steep roads...so of course we go...and of course Grandpa gets green and sick and has a dizzy (not Disney!) bag of a time...but we are thankful that we arrive late at night so we can sleep (and become like regular real people again) before morning meetings.  Is there ever really a time when faith does not come with a bit of a price tag, requiring us to step out of our comfort into our change?  Is there ever a time when the rewards don't far outweigh the bits of sacrifice, inconveniences, and fear? And I wonder if things that really matter don't take first place... putting our 'insecurities' and 'concerns' in second...would we not just stand still? 

  

We really enjoy being on Brava.  They have some very special families in the branch there. And all of the hefting, and waiting, and bouncing, and tilting, and lilting...really are worth it...when we see how excited they are to get their Liahonas and to have visitors in their branch.  (Here are a few members waiting for parts of their families who are in a branch council meeting.)  

Grandpa gave his talk on the importance of having and 'doing' our callings, he spoke about how our callings are given from revelation and will be magnified with that same blessing if we do our part.  I spoke about how our futures unfold from what we think and do today.  

We love to spend time with the Primary children.  Often, I get to teach in Primary, Y.W. or Relief Society when we attend a branch (depends on who doesn't have a teacher), and Grandpa will attend the Priesthood meetings and Branch counsels.  Sometimes, we visit families after the trainings and interviews...or like yesterday...the year end audit!  We like to visit with Seminary/Institute teachers and encourage the students to attend. We love the variety in our mission call. 

 Coming down the mountain from Nova Sintra, Brava.  You can see where the boat docks in the inlet and also the view of silhouetted Fogo in the background. Beautiful Morning!

We were given a beautiful sunrise after coming down the mountain with its 99 curves to board the boat for Fogo. The ride was a bit rocky...but Grandpa will be great again after a nap...it's always good to be home... and this evening...our neighbor is coming over for his 2nd discussion.  I am making cookies to celebrate!