Friday, August 31
We were up earlier than usual, off to Faro to pick up Elders
Rogers and Vigne, and then drove to Santarém,
northeast of Lisbon. Today was the
Conselho da Liderança da Missão. 
It was
a beautiful morning three hour drive through forest of pine trees, acres of
cork trees, vineyards, orchards, bailed hay fields, rolling hills, and
beautiful valleys. It is hard to get good pictures traveling at 120 km/hr. 
I had been looking forward to this trip since
we had learned that we would be driving through part of the best cork producing
country in the world. Portugal and Spain
produce almost all of the cork. I was
excited when we started to see trees with red trunks which meant that they recently had all the cork bark skinned off of them. 
(Below are two links that has good
information on cork.) Stores around here
sell a lot of cork products from shoes and beautiful handbags to . . . anything
else made of cork. 
A summary of what we gleaned from the meeting was that under
our new Mission President there will be some changes in how things
operate. If we have questions or
concerns about how things are going to be done, take them to the Lord and not balk
and disrupt others. We are being led by
a living prophet, and things are changing.
Sister Fillmore, with some input from others, had written new words to
the “Called to Serve” hymn for the mission’s new hymn. Everyone seemed to love the new rendition
with some added actions.
One initiative of the mission is to invite every young
adult member in Portugal to the Face to Face with Elder Quentin L. Cook that
will be broadcast in September. The missionaries will be spreading the word.
Lunch was filling and good – BIG sandwiches with chips,
drinks, cookies, and fresh figs and grapes.
Chocolate was handed out later in the afternoon to keep the energy going.
The senior couples had a break-out session to
discuss some of our responsibilities for apartments, inventories, records for
gas and other expenditures. We shared
experiences and answers to problems we have encountered. Our new assignment is to inventory each of the
missionary apartments and determine what belongs to the landlords and what
belongs to the church. Then make sure
that each apartment has what is considered essential.
Elder Rogers was kind enough to drive us home after the meeting. We reviewed some Portuguese grammar with him,
and he shared his story of becoming the only member in his family and how is
call to Portugal is influencing them. His
mother is from Portugal, and her heart has softened some. He is an outstanding young man – a little
older than most and a college graduate.
He brings some maturity to the mission.
Later, as we heard the Sisters coming home, we tossed Sister
Haws’ mail from the mission office down to her and an orange to Sister Kelson –
she caught it from our upstairs window.
***********
Saturday, September 1
We had planned a day at home to catch up on chores and
studies (and to go to the market), but we are getting used to spur of the
moment changes. Elder Rogers called to
request we drive to Faro and take the Olhão Elders back to their apartment. They were leaving the car with him so he
could make a sudden trip back to Lisbon (three sets of Elders sharing one car –
and the Sisters are on foot or catch a ride).
We hurried to get out the door – and Merl doesn’t need GPS anymore to
navigate to Faro. After delivering the
Elders to their door, we turned round and headed back home.
. . . with one stop.
I requested we stop at the Mar Mall (includes IKEA) to purchase my late
I think we will eat better by
using this because there are so many interruptions and we eat by the seat of
our pants sometimes. Also, we are
planning to have the missionaries over for Sunday dinners. It was kind of crazy – a simple crockpot cost
€72
and the pressure cooker cost €80.
We also checked out some kitchen accessory prices at IKEA since we will
be purchasing items for apartments. anniversary present – a panela de pressão (electric pressure cooker aka Insta Pot). (Foto: Saw this group leaving the IKEA parking area)
We stopped at one of the Chinese stores by the church to also look at kitchen utinsels – I think IKEA has the better deals. Merl did buy some replacement outlets and covers for the Olhão/Tavira apartment.
Our District requires getting on
the freeways and winding around little town streets and high-rise tourist
complexes all across the southeast portion of Portugal. Tonight, we were assigned to pick up a family
who are branch members and live in a neighboring city (the mother was to speak
at the baptism). I think our GPS hates us as we were sent to a
few places saying “You have arrived at your destination.” But we were not where the family was. It doesn’t help that there are almost no street
signs or numbers on buildings or apartments.
After three attempts and phone calls, the mom flagged us down as we were
winding around yet another complex. I
think Merl is going to come home with ulcers!
We were half way back to Faro when the missionaries called at 8:15
saying that no one had arrived at the church yet, so we were going to be
fine. The baptism was to have started at
8:00. The Sisters just say, “It’s
Portugal.”
The baptism for Hernani Dias went off without a hitch. The opening prayer was given by our friend (M).
Hernani was baptized by Elder Buarque, and five sets of missionaries sang a
special number (spur of the moment) “É Tarde, a Noite Logo Vem.” Sounded good to me – I must be ready to play
the piano at any moment – and able to find my glasses.
(Foto: Sister Kelson, Sister Haws, Elder Heiner, Miguel Martinez, Pres. Rui Gorjao, Elder Buarque, Mother and sister of Hernani, Hernani Dias, Ermelinda dos Santos)
(Foto: Elder and Sister Egbert, Sister Kelson, Sister Haws, Miguel Martinez, Elder White, Elder Heiner, Elder Buarque, Hermani's mother Elder Rodrigues, Elder Patricio Sitting: Sister Esteban, Sister Restrepo, Elder Rogers)
Branch President Rui saved us tonight by taking the family back to Albufeira – and we took the Sisters home. It was 10:00 by the time people were leaving the church, and he thought we needed to be following the mission rules and be home by 10:00.
**********
Branch President Rui saved us tonight by taking the family back to Albufeira – and we took the Sisters home. It was 10:00 by the time people were leaving the church, and he thought we needed to be following the mission rules and be home by 10:00.
**********
Sunday, September 2
We slept well last night (or at least I did). Merl was up early to prepare some thoughts to
share in church today – it being Fast Sunday.
We arrived at church a little early and found our friend (M) there. He stayed for the Gospel Principle class and
then left before Priesthood meeting.
Progress is being made. (Foto: Equadorian Sisters and Sister Mazi) (Equadorian boy sleeping after church. The men and boys frequently wear all whit - including their shoes.)
Hino do Dia:
Jesus Once of Humble Birth (Tão Humilde ao
Nascer)
So humble at
birth, Christ in such power.
Before so
much pain suffered, Today the kingdom received.
Today the
kingdom received.
Which lamb
of the Lord was our Savior.
Yesterday on
the cross did grieve, but the glory conquered.
But the
glory has conquered.
When so much
pain suffered, his children defended.
He restored
the law, today is the King of the world.
Today is the
King of the world.
Deserted by
his own, he put his faith in God.
All that he
suffered, For our sake Jesus suffered.
Jesus
suffered for us alone.
I tried out my new pressure cooker this afternoon – using what
I had in the fridge. I put in a big
wedge of winter squash, chicken breast, potatoes, celery, and onions. . .
tossed in a few seasonings and turned it on.
In half an hour, dinner was on the table. I did add a serving of cous-cous from a
previous meal to my plate. I hope I am
able to plan and use this tool wisely. I
will certainly take it with me if we are transferred. . . and then leave it in
the last apartment we are in.
While eating, Elder Rogers (Zone Leader) called to let us
know that there will be a Zone Conference in Faro on Tuesday at 10:00. Elder and Sister Layton (in Lagos) and us are
to organize lunch for all of us (about 40).
He is wanting something other than sandwiches (the frequent go-to
lunch). He would really like a churrasco
type meal. The Layton’s are going to
come our way tomorrow, and we will do some footwork to find out what might be
available – and at what price.
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