Heading South to Loulé

Aug 2   

This morning we reorganized and repacked our suitcases in preparation to head to Loulé.  After another nice breakfast buffet, we met the Wests in front of the hotel who arrived in a van to load all of our belongings.  Everyone was hoping that our assigned little car (Toyota Yaris) would hold everything.  They don’t know about Elder Egbert’s packing prowess.  The car was successfully loaded with room for us to “go shopping” in the storeroom to take supplies to the missionaries: Two boxes of Books of Mormon, two boxes of pamphlets and pass-along cards, two boxes of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and a bag of missionary mail were also loaded.

We again met with President and Sister Fillmore before they left to go north to visit some Elders in need of some loving care.  As Pres. Fillmore discussed again our location assignment, we mentioned that we would be close to Faro where Sister Enders (from Twin Falls) was serving.  We had a package from her mother to deliver.  Tears came to his eyes as he felt confirmation of where he was sending us was inspired.  He is an interesting man.  He and Sister Fillmore said goodbye, and we prepared to take off on our own.  Fortunatly, I was issued an old smart phone with GPS capability. 

Driving within the city of Lisbon was scary, but the freeway going south was nice. Landscapes varied from flat farm land, to rolling hills with some pine trees and other unidentified trees (look like ball-willow type pine trees).  It was about a three-hour drive at 120 km/hr.  Our little car is a hybrid so we had plenty of gas to make the trip. 

Loulé is another ancient city with beautiful old landmarks, lots of white houses with red roofs scattered through the hillside, and a conglomerate of old buildings, cobblestone paths/roads winding everywhere, and pink/yellow/cream/green buildings that house shops on the bottom and apartments on top.  We really like the architecture and fountains reflecting the old culture.  

 The Sister missionaries (Madsen and Kelson) met us in front of our building with our keys and to show us where to go.  Our new landlord, Eulálio Francisco, also showed up.  He is a counselor in the Branch Presidency and speaks little English.  The Elders (Alder and Rogers) and the Laytons also arrived to welcome us and help bring luggage up to our apartment.  Everyone was welcoming and helpful.  

Elder Layton and Bro. Francisco walked Elder Egbert around the neighborhood to find an ATM, grocery store, internet stores, etc.

After everyone left, we went back to Pingo Doce to pick up a few groceries for tonight and tomorrow morning.  We had sandwiches and fruit for dinner and dropped into bed.  It had been an exhausting day.