Another Great Week...

We had the opportunity to represent the church this week at a Thank you ceremony because of a freezer that was purchased through the Humanitarian fund.  Grandpa shared with them that Jesus wants us to share our blessings with others, because that is what Our Savior did His whole life.  He also talked about the importance of family and how important children are.  

Many people in Mosteiros live off the land.  Now they can bring some of their vegetables, chickens, fruits, etc. to share with the school children when they have extra. We were kindly received and the parents, so appreciative, wanted Grandpa to put the first vegetables in the freezer! 

Probably the highlight of the week was attending two conferences in our district.  One for the Young Men/Young Women on Tuesday (about 90 youth) and another for the young single adults (about 80 youth) on Wednesday.   They were kind to have us speak. Grandpa talked about how Truth is not relative. It doesn't change because of our ideas.  It stays the same because God knows the truth. He shared how the church is the same in every congregation in the world. We cannot change God's laws to accommodate our desires, but we can change our desires to obey God's laws (Eternal Truth).  I spoke about choice, and how every blessing is predicated on a law established before the world was, using the scripture in Doctrine & Covenants 130: 20-21

 These photos show some of the activities they had during the conference.  It was held in the Public School.

I was just thinking about other things this past week and will quickly type just a few so some day, I will remember the day-to-day. It all goes so fast. This past week, we enjoyed the conferences and the humanitarian presentation, a few families have visited with us needing food, we've had counsels with people who want to do better in their lives, some long meeting/trainings about audits of church funds, missionary visits, interviews, meeting with the Branch Presidents and secretaries in the district, and I helped with a fun Relief Society activity for the Congresso Branch. We spoke with a hospital representative to set up visits for next week, when our mission doctor from Germany will come to tour the hospitals on the islands. Grandpa set up 2 computer systems, did three trainings in MLS, oil change for the car, contract for apt., we visited Institute and Seminary teachers and attended 3 of their classes, got to tell a family about their missionary leaving for Portugal tomorrow, and told a young lady that she just got her call to Brasil! Somewhere in there we clorox the vegetables and mop the floor. Had company from another island for lunch and dinner as they missed their boat. Attended a wonderful Temple preparation class and a Family Home Evening. Grandpa spoke during a ring ceremony to a newly married couple. Attended a baptism for a family that glowed. Grandpa had his normal 6 am District Pres. mtg. on Sunday morning and we attended meetings in two branches and had visits with the zone leaders and others who came after they left.  We are starting to plan for the District Conference in March. Hard to believe it is already time to do that. Talked to a branch about the Perpetual Education Fund and will be setting up a class for them.  We met with three Relief Society Presidents about assisting families. Each visit requires training as the church is so new here.  These faithful people are helping each other without cars or means really and the Church is blessing many to understand the basic principles of love and of self reliance.

The days are busy and we are thankful. The phone rings alot.  The emails are full with things to do...and as we travel these crazy roads, we are loving our mission and trying to keep up with our blessings. One thing I have learned beyond any doubt.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is alive and well because of the Many Miracles needed to make it all work.  And it does!  There is no question who is in charge.