The time is flying...already Graduation time again!

Seminary and Institute Graduation for Fogo!

Many of the students are already on their missions!

It was the annual 'Clean the City' Day!  We started with a few and more came as the morning unfolded...mostly members of our Church showed up, but there were other youth in the city that came as well.  A good Morning!

We have been meeting with some of the city leaders and pastors and ministers of other churches to see if we
can make a difference here on the war on drugs.  The youth made posters and held a march around the city to
say:  "No to Drugs...Yes to Life!"  After the parade, each of the leaders gave a message to the group.
Our bodies are gifts, actually given as Temples to our Spirits and we must take care of them. It was a good day!

This past week was full of visits to members homes, filling out Temple Trip papers, passports, visas, (Temple is in Brasil), re-organizing a new Branch Presidency, working on a city wide 'Say No to Drugs" campaign and on Thurs. we had a wonderful Zone Conference with Pres. and Sis. Oliveira!  On Sat. grandpa participated in the 'clean the city' day with the youth while I hurried back home to finish the decorations for our Seminary and Institute Graduation.  Sunday we attended meetings in Mosteiros and got home just in time for interviews in Sao Filipe.  We are enjoying the variety of our mission and have met so many good people that you would love to know!
  

Learning...Remembering

There is something very exciting about learning, searching, studying, creating, trying, and sharing.
Something Magnificent happens when connecting and communing with our very core!
Inside our heart of hearts, we love to discover to remember: Beauty, Light and Truth.

Blessed are those who Hunger and Thirst after Righteousness...
For they shall be filled.
Matthew 5:6

...Feast Upon the Words of Christ; for behold,
the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.  
2 Nephi 32:3

Philippians 1:3

What a blessing to serve a full-time mission!  We are thankful for this blessing in our lives.

Missions are a microcosm of life.  

Over-all so pleasant and rich with things to learn and do and try and experience,

and people to know and love,

but every now and again trials or problems, (opportunities to solve), will surface.

And they should...for our own good...

at least that is sort of the reason we are on earth after-all!

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But, the thing I love is that even when times are tough, there are always blessings that tuck us in

and remind us that people will be kinder next time and that all of us need to improve.

Let me share three of those blessings this week:

Henrique's Grandma walks slowly down the mountain every Sunday 
and brings her smile to church. Her life has not been easy,
but her countenance is as she uplifts those around her.  I want to be like that.

In a brown and gray country,
I am thankful for the gift of color and flowers.  The trees are magnificent!
It is difficult to be discouraged long when the world is full of such kind creations
reminding us that we are loved.

On one trip around the island this past week,
we noticed some people gathered by the side of the road.
I was driving and slowed way down to see what the excitement was?
A small group (growing larger) had gathered to collect water from a small break in the water line.
Buckets and excited voices, all lined up for free water.  A celebration of sorts!

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It's the simple things that lift us up.
A smile, color, nature's beauty,
and if we are smart...

we too, will bring as many buckets as possible
to collect

LIVING WATER...the kind given FREELY
the kind that will make our Spirits' smile.

And they should...for our own good...

at least that is sort of the reason we are on earth after-all!

Today's P-Day so far...

P-Day Stands for 'Preparation' day.  In theory, it is the day we shop, clean, launder, and rest a bit.

First thing this morning, we gathered Stephani 

And Luis 

and headed for the airport (twice).  They are on their way to Brasil.  Their new Mission President is a friend of Grandpa's from their first mission to Brasil...so it was fun for him to write a note to their President!

I cry with their Moms and brothers and sisters. We all wipe tears and laugh at each other.
We have spent alot of time with and have grown to love each of these young people and we will miss them alot.
Usually, at the airport, just before they leave, they will think it through and realize that when they return we will
not be here anymore...  And they give us another hug.
It is difficult for me to say good-bye for this life.
Seems to leave me a bit quiet for a while.
But, I am so happy for them and for their adventures and growth.  

When we got home, sure enough, Maria was waiting for us to buy vegetables...
We ONLY buy them on Segiunda-Feiras (Mondays) and so she decided to sit and wait!

Soon we heard a knock on the door...it was EDY.
(This is a photo from last year when he brought us a piece of lava rock from the Volcano),
but today he came to get some keys to copy a talk at the church
and to tell us that it is his 23rd Birthday!
(I started mixing cupcakes for when he brought them back.)

Saturday night when we were mopping up water that had filled the sisters apt. the lights went out, so  we
took them to the other sisters' apt. for the night.  Everything is good now, but  Danuesa came with two dresses for her mini-mission and those were needing washed in an apt. without working water at the time. I told her we would go shopping on Monday for a skirt.  Shopping is not my thing...especially for clothes...but off we went when the three other missionaries were emailing their families this morning!    I know we had help...
I know we did.

.

Two different young boys asked if they could wash the car.  I had promised already for this week,
and now we are set up for next already!

Sister Pires came from Cova Figueira to get some scriptures for their branch
and to wait for her husband to finish some business in town,
so we drove to where the elders were to get the keys to their apt.
then went there to get the scriptures, then took the keys back,
Pres. Pires came and they had not eaten since 6 am this morning,
so we bought some bread and had some lunch. (We even had cupcakes!!!)

Right now, Grandpa is over at the church again,
helping someone fill out papers to get ready to go to the Temple,
I couldn't leave just yet because the young man was still washing the car.
We had 10 visitors this morning and some phone calls,
like the one that sent Grandpa to the church just now.
Grandpa is so funny...he changed clothes 3 or 4 times between visits and finally...
 decided to just keep a tie on for this P-Day...

I think it will save him some time!

Ok,  I still need to mop...better run.  We love you.  LOTS! 

Calm and stormy Seas...

Calm

Walking to an appointment, a few weeks ago, I noticed this sweet child in the doorway of her home.
So intent upon examining the Children's Friend, she didn't even notice us.

I have noticed that when I simplify the 'stuff' around me, it's easier to focus on the things that matter most to me as well.  I love the childhood calm of  thinking, considering, coloring, dreaming, and assimilating life!  Yet, no matter how much we dream and plan, it seems the 'testing' is what allows us to discern and really understand the blessings of the 'calm'.

Stormy

Today we came from Brava on a very troubled ocean.  The boat trip was the worst we have experienced and we are still dizzy this evening.  When we boarded the boat, we noticed a young boy being carried on, having sustained a compound fracture on his leg last night in a bicycle accident.  My heart went out to him.  The boat only goes on certain days and so the young boy had to wait until today, with his painful gauze wrapped leg, to get to a hospital that could do anything about it.  The boat was so rocky, that he became extremely sick and his small blanket on the floor would slide, making his leg hurt again. His aunt was bent down onto the seat in front of her as were so many others who held bags from the sea sickness that ensued.

I remembered when our Joshua lay in a hospital bed years ago during a long long night.  I had to do something...but all I could do was sit on the floor next to the young boy and hold his tired head and exchange the bags.   Such a helpless feeling when you want to take away someone's pain.  After a time, the boat slowed, and we were back home, but the young boy still had another 4 and 1/2 hours to go until the ferry would dock in Praia where a hospital could help him.

It is something how we experience so many seas in life.
Some very calm and kind, others so Stormy and Stingy.
We need to rejoice for each other on the calm days and pray for each other on the Stormy days,
because into every life comes each kind,
and no one really knows what another heart is experiencing on this day.

Calm

That must be why we are commanded to Love Each Other Every Day
AS He has loved us.  

I know after today, that we cannot change things, but trying to help can change us.
When I stood up trying to steady myself, the aunt of the sleeping boy,
tried to lift her head, but instead, she reached her hand to mine
and said, "Obrigada....Obrigada"  Thank you...Thank you.

I pray that boy is resting tonight...bless his heart...it has been a long long night and day for him.

Today will be a but a memory very soon and hopefully,  tomorrow the seas will be calm.

Fireside about Temple Blessings!

Over 60 people came to a special evening for Couples!  Some of those had been baptized only a week, one just before the activity and another is taking the lessons.  What a nice evening to talk about the Blessings of the Temple.
For many, marriage is a dream.  It costs money and the traditions here do not include marriage.  But, in every child's eyes we see the hope of a mother and a father being married and staying together and we have heard it in their prayers.

It was fun to play games together and have refreshments.  What a nice evening.  Grandpa talked about you and told everyone how thankful we are to have our family.  Each child and grandchild is a wonderful treasure, a limited edition, and absolutely irreplaceable to us!   We love you so much!

Days tumble on top of each other...

The days overlap, race, and tumble into each other here in Cabo Verde.

Always in Awe at such great Joy in Singing and Learning new Hymns!

The kitchen always smells good when an activity is coming up.

We loved teaching Perpetual Education Fund classes in Relva!
These students are fun and they are so excited to go to College!

Always a Joy to visit the Institute classes!

This Seminary class went from 4 to 30 students in 4 weeks
due to the preparation, visits, and love of our new teachers, Keven and Rute Lopes.

Due to all the new missionaries, we have been helping arrange for
new apartments, buying items, getting items sent from Praia on the boat
and helping a bit in some of the moves.

setting up a washing machine and later the water filters, stove, and fridge.

Relva has a temporary tent because the branch has outgrown their casa!
At times the wind flaps the plastic almost as loud as we sing here!

Interviews are held outside if no one has a key to get in for the day!
Camilla is being interviewed for a College Education loan! She is so excited
and wants to go to law school and become a Judge.

Seminary Scripture chases during a Super Seminary Activity!

The boat dock is always an adventure.  Our washing machine
came underneath huge bunches of bananas.  You just have to look around
until you find which truck off the boat has what you are waiting for.

I needed a prescription for a sick young missionary.
When I got to the pharmacy, there were 32 people in front of me.
Barely inside the door, I prayed that it wouldn't take too long.
Just said a silent Amen when the pharmacist pointed to me asking me to come to the front.
I told her that others (2 older ladies plus everyone there!) were in front of me
and I couldn't possibly go ahead of them.
The people said "Nao faz mal.  Voce Vai em frente!"  Its ok.  You go in front!
Even the long 'waiters' were being so kind and smiling...What?!
And so I did; I purchased the medicine quickly
and got back to my work at the Young Adult Center.

What does one do when the electricity goes out again?
We all turn our cell phone lights on and continue!

Elder Patrick Kearon came to Fogo.  What a Blessing to learn from him!  

Enjoyed District Conference couple months ago.  Your Grandpa is a great District President
and I can tell that Heavenly Father is giving him lots of ideas and help for the wonderful work here.

I guess it works better if they add enough glue to keep the tiles down the first time!
But, sometimes camping out in the front-room is fun while they re-glue the bedroom.

Great students in our Sao Filipe Perpetual Education classes as well!
The 'Planning for Success' classes are held once a week for 4 weeks
and then the students may apply for a loan.   We really enjoy teaching these classes.
The church helps so many go to college that would have no other means.

Our love goes out to President Monson and Family...

Our hearts are full of love for Prophet Thomas S. Monson and his family.

It is so difficult to lose the Mother of the Family and we pray for their comfort and peace.

Behold Your Little Ones...

And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them:
BEHOLD YOU LITTLE ONES.
3rd Nephi 17:23

Cova Figueira Branch was divided into two Branches yesterday.
That means many more people will have callings and
every child should have a chair to sit on in Primary!

COVA FIGUEIRA 1st BRANCH
President Arsenio Monteiro will still be the Branch President.  His counselors are Luis de Pina and Jose (Kennedy) Vieira de Pina.Valdemir Fernandes Andrade (most left in photo) and (our wonderful Institute Teacher) will be a great blessing as secretary!  We are so excited!  He has graduated in computer Information Technology!!!  That means he will know how to enter the records and finances correctly!  Natalio (most right) will help until he leaves for his mission to Brasil!

President Antonio Eduardo Pires of the newly created Cova Figueira 2nd Branch.  Both of his counselors, Natalio Eduiho da Rosa and Rui Moreno Soares Fernandes  were baptized on April 13th, 
just 2 months ago.   Tadeu Gomes Andrade (red sweater vest)  knows how to use a computer and will be a great secretary!   Irlando Moreira Lopes just returned from his Mission in Mozambique and will be a great Elder's Quorum President.

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These first generation 'Pioneers' have great faith and are blazing a trail that will bless many families.

Especially the Children,
 who will grow up singing the Primary songs!

Happy Mother's Day! I love you Forever!

Missionaries all over the world are excited to call their Mothers today!

We will set up Skype for the Missionaries here.

 I know that I will see, hug, and talk to Momma again one day

but for today...

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There is a sweet scripture in the 32nd chap. of Isaiah that reminds me of Momma. "And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever." She had that gracious countenance about her.
I think it began with faith.

Not just faith, as in believing things that are not seen and hoped for while waiting for truth to land on it...but a willing, working, wearing a smile faith that runs after truth with a jar and lid in hand! The kind of faith that grows up to become knowledge.

It was great faith that made it possible for my sisters and I to be born. Elder Spencer W. Kimball blessed Momma that if they would serve their mission faithfully, they'd be blessed to have the children that doctors said she could not have. 

Momma had faith that the seeds of smell, taste, touch, music, prayers, humor, and home, would someday grow into a faithful family.  And she loved our Father.  OH! how she loves Our Father!  We have witnessed a love story that will last forever.  That Love of family and the Hope of Eternity...are all about faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Serving family and keeping promises is the faithful part...and she did both: Beautifully! 

The moment we learned of their call to serve as mission President in the Philippines, I hurried to a travel agency. I'd make a fun brochure with facts and pictures! I knew how homesick Momma would be. I approached the desk with wide eyes and asked the nice lady if she could tell me about the Philippines. "Oh, you don't want to go there!" (The lady practically lunged at me with her list of why that was NOT the place to be.) I drove home a bit disanimated. I had so wanted to help Momma get excited-- but--too late---she already was!  She was excited because Daddy was excited! That describes Momma. Her faith was not just to endure, but to enjoy, and she did!  They love the Filipino People!

We were all surrounding them the night before they got on the plane that didn't let them off again for three years! Momma looked at all of us and said, "If we just thought this gospel was true, we wouldn't leave you, if we just wanted it to be true, we couldn't leave you," and then she got a bit teary, "but... because we know it's true...we are going...because of you!" My heart memorized that moment.

The gospel of Jesus Christ has never been a spectator sport or a 'have-to' or 'should do' thing for Momma and Daddy. It was a 'get-to', 'blessed-to-be-able-to' thing. They chose that gift.  It's the only way it is given. 'Thy will be Done' requires great faith, the kind our parents have. Even in this...final and difficult test.

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A few weeks ago, Momma understood my question without me asking:

 "Honey, I know the doctors can do nothing more, so I know that if I stay it is because of a miracle, and if I don't...it is ok...and I am glad to know that whatever way, it is right, because 'He' is in charge, and that brings me peace." 

 They told us they love us and Daddy said: "You stay there and bless us with what you are doing. We know you are with us everyday and we feel it." Momma added: Honey, if you came we'd just have to put you to work, and we have lots of helpers! 

I love my sisters...the dish-day-partners-of-my-youth that have grown up to be beautiful like Momma. 

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Why are you sad?' Alecio Andrade stood before me and wondered

 This kind young Cabo Verdiano is the only member in his family. He has an understanding heart and is preparing to serve a mission when his one year baptism date comes.

 I didn't mean for my feelings to seep to the surface.

I used my hem to quickly wipe my cheeks

"My Mother is dying", I whispered...feeling the tug again. Her name is Evelyn.

"Is your Mother a member of Jesus' true Church?" he asked in hope.

I shook my head and smiled yes.

"Has she been in the Temple?" His eyes sincere.

Again, I shook my head in thankful Yes.

  (Oh Yes! I thought, They have been in the Temples!)

"Then"....And he paused a moment...

 (not just trying to tuck me in...But trying to understand) 

"Then .....why are you so sad? You will have her forever!"

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 I know --how very very far...far away can seem...and yet because of our Savior, how very close forever is!  

Just before our mission to Brasil, Momma pulled me into a room and handed me a small pewter star with the word 'faith' engraved on it and she gave me a long hug. 

We'll be home just before Christmas to hang Momma's star on the tree. We'll feel her love whenever we take warm bread to sweet neighbors, and we'll smell the smells and see the lights and hear the Carolers as we celebrate the One whom our parents have patterned their whole lives after. The One whom they have become like, it seems to me. The ONLY One who can give us the gift of forever and His sacred offer to help us make it count

Yesterday...Declo, Idaho

 I love you Momma, Fiercely and forever, Thank you for being beautiful...your pattern and love bless me to walk the cobblestones of life with Joy! 

I love you Daddy, I pray for your courage to continue in that peace which surpasseth understanding. I am sending a long hug!

Happy Mother's Day Momma!

My tears are for your Joy

and for the Blessing of Temple Promises...

and because...well...

because...

I Miss You so very very much.