Weather, Refrigerator, and Portuguese Anthem

Friday, October 26

We woke to another rainy (off and on) day here in the beautiful Algarve. While the weather is cooler and more humid, we know that it will be milder than what our family back in Idaho will be facing this winter. I have to remember this when I start to complain. . .

We studied and worked around the apartment and then ventured out to pay our internet bill (can’t forget that one). We also crossed the street to purchase umbrellas and found a sweater for Merl. We brought two pull-over sweaters from home. . . but Merl doesn’t like to pull over. I hope this one works for this crazy guy!

Merl spent time catching up “home” finances for future tax purposes next year. He brought all his loose paperwork with him in envelopes and finally got through all of it.

I started my chicken noodle soup bases for Sunday dinner while Merl caught up home finances for future tax purposes. We talked to Elder (now Eliot) Heiner from Burley when he called to check on us. He was a great Elder to work with and today gave us some good information and insights in how to help some members.  (And yes he dressed himself to probably show his displeasure in showing off his new sweater.)

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Saturday, October 27 

We received a text this morning saying that the refrigerator would be delivered sometime between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. We needed to be present to let them into the Sisters’ apartment and to sign the paperwork. That meant we needed to stay close to home. They arrived around 12:30 – I was surprised that the delivery men were two “older” guys who had to take the refrigerator up three flights of stairs. Good thing it was a small refrigerator!  (I ran home to get my camera hoping to catch them going up the stairs. . . I was too late.)







Just as the Market was closing today, we rushed over to get some onions and anything else that would catch my eye.  We got some apples, onions, garlic and prickly pear fruit.  Had to try them when the vender said they taste like strawberries and melons..  The red one was better, but both full of seeds - which are edible - but we didn't eat them.  Supposed to be very healthy and full of all kinds of good things.

 Dinner with Andrea Sister Ngalu was asked earlier today to speak in Sacrament meeting tomorrow. While Andrea fixed dinner, Merl and Sister Ngalu discussed her assigned topic of D&C Section 4 – “a marvelous work and a wonder is about to come forth among the children of men”. . .(and those who desire to serve are called to the work.) You qualify for the work by having “faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God.” Our work is to help bring all of God’s children back to Him – which brings glory to God.
 (Daniel's big sister, Noria, likes princesses.)

I felt so bad for Andrea – she really had no business having company over for dinner. She had her wisdom teeth out yesterday and had been sick for two days – and little Daniel wasn’t able to nurse due to the antibiotics she was taking. He was pretty miserable, too. I took care of Daniel while she finished preparing the meal (which was excellent again). She so enjoys the company, but she really overdid today. I hope she receives many blessings for her sacrifice and kindness.

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Sunday, October 28

Daylight savings ended (or started – I never know). We didn’t know about it until we got up and our phones had different times than the clocks on the wall. I had an extra hour to get ready this morning, and that was nice.

We always enjoying meeting with the members of the Branch. Hugs and kisses abound, and everyone truly appears to be happy to be there. The meetings start on time, even though many straggle in the first 10 minutes or so. Sister Ngalu was the first speaker, followed by Johan (executive secretry, and the 2^nd counselor in the District Presidency. It was a good meeting.

We stayed after the block of meetings to observe the rehearsal of the youth choir for District Conference next week. Youth from Olhao and Faro came to Loule for the practice – youth from Lagos and Portimao will join them next week. They are singing “In That Holy Place” (La no Templo Santo), and it is sounding really good. There is little resemblance in the words of the English and Portuguese versions, but both have beautiful messages. Maybe only of interest to me, but one sentence says:

English: There within that holy place our hearts are made as one, united by the power of God in pure eternal love.

Portuguese: Our house, our souls unite in prayer; yes, by the gift of the omnipotent forever in Zion.

Representatives from the different District Primaries will also be singing “I Love to See the Temple.” Everyone here is so excited to finally have a temple within a few hours of them when it is dedicated late next year.

Someone left a piece of paper in the chapel this morning. It said “A Portuguesa” (Hino Nacional Portuguesa). So this paper had the words to the national anthem of Portugal:

Heróis do mar, nobre povo,

Nação valente, imortal,

Levantai hoje de novo

O splendor de Portugal!

Entre as brumas da memória

O Pátria sente-se a voz

Dos teus egrégios avós

Que há-de guiar-te à vitória!

Às armas, às armas!

Sobre a terra, sobre o mar,

As armas, as armas!

Pela Pátria lutarContra os canhões marchar, marchar!

Heroes of the sea, noble people,

Brave nation, immortal,

Get up again today.

The splendor of Portugal!

Between the mists of memory

The Fatherland feels the voice

Of your great grandparents

What will guide you to victory!

To guns, to guns!

On the earth, on the sea,

Guns, guns!

For the Fatherland to fight

Against the cannons march, march!

Sounds a little militant for such a peaceful nation. . .

The Limas and Bowers (maybe) are coming tomorrow, perhaps spending the night. They want to see some coastal areas along with beaches. It is too bad that they weren’t able to come while the weather was nice to enjoy the excursion. The two sets of Faro missionaries are planning to come with us for the day. Should be fun. We will need to get up early in the morning to tidy up and prepare another bedroom for company – just in case.

I spent the afternoon/evening catching up the blog. . . and if I get this posted tonight, I will be up-to-date. Amazing!!

Disstrict Council, Anonas, Area landscapes

Tuesday, October 23

District meeting was at 11:00 a.m. in Faro this morning. I got up in time to make some yummy orange rolls. They were still hot, so I carried the pan on my lap (with a big towel underneath). We picked up the sisters and arrived at 10:58. . . . the front gate was still locked, and we were the first and only ones to arrive on time.

District meeting I have memorized the Missionary Purpose statement from the Preach my Gospel manual. I can recite it to myself, but when we say it all together at the meeting, I have to read as fast as I can to keep up with how fast they recite it. One morning I asked them to say it slowly so we could be in unison with them. . . they did and smiled about it (and I haven’t asked again).

We distributed the supplies to the Faro missionaries who were very appreciative. It is good to bring a smile to their faces as they work so hard every day. Now that it is getting colder here, I gave some basic instructions on the use of the space heaters (how and when to use them) and how to care for their new pots and pans.

When we returned home, we delivered some orange rolls to our violin maker downstairs and to our favorite fruit market man. We purchased some fresh produce, and he gave us an anona to try – for free. Interesting fruit to say the least, kind of creamy/fleshy sweet meat with big black seeds.

Different but very good. I would buy one again.

This afternoon we were getting a little antsy and decided to go for a walk. We have walked most of the streets that are close, so I went in search of something interesting to take a picture of. This is what I found.

We also stopped by the municipal library to see what it is like. The only way we can get a library card is to present our passport and a utility bill that is in our name. The mission office pays all the bills, so we don’t have anything with our name. It is a nice library, not real big, but very organized and well maintained. They even have an enclosed area for children under three to play.

We had pulled pork sandwiches and ice cream bars for dinner. I like to read the Liahona in Portuguese at night when we go to bed. I always start at the back (where the children’s stuff is) and work forward.

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Wednesday, October 24

With emphasis being put on cleaning apartment balconies, I moved things to the side and swept and mopped ours today. Need to set the example, right? We have a few functional items on ours – 3 folding chairs, 2 ladders, 2 drying racks, laundry basket. We are organized and now have a clean tile floor to walk on.

We received a phone call from the Sisters – their gas tank was empty. Merl gave them instructions of who to call to have a new tank delivered. We later received another call saying that the stove and water heater weren’t working. Merl was able to get the gas stove going, but the water heater wouldn’t reset. He will call Nestor in the morning to get some advice or help. We drove to Tavira, met with Olhao branch president, Paulo Azevedo, and inspected the apartment for any needed repairs and/or cleaning. He works in construction and will do some painting. The apartment is in good shape.

We took him back to his home in town (he also owns a small form outside of town and grows fruit and nut trees and a large vegetable garden0. He has five children, his oldest daughter currently on a mission in the Santa Maria mission in Brazil. He is originally from Northern Portugal and has lived in Switzerland, France, and the U.S. He studied construction in Arizona and Utah. He speaks Portuguese, Spanish, German, French, and English. He says that Tavira is the best place to live in the Algarve. We hope to spend some time over there as time permits. (Foto: an interesting old structure - don't know what it is.)

We drove back to Faro and stopped at the Forum Mall for something to eat.  (Fotos:  view of the center plaza from the parking garage and from above.  Dinner was 1/2 chicken plus sides and a bowl of pasta for me.)



At 6:30, we met Pres. Azevedo back at the Elders’ apartment for his inspection and assessment of what he needs to do to turn the apartment back to the landlady. A little more work to do here. We missed the English class tonight 

The Sisters called tonight about 9:30 to ask if they could take showers in our apartment. They weren’t up for cold showers. Of course it was okay. It was a good opportunity to visit and learn more about them. We had occasions in Brazil when the Elders were without water and would come in the mornings to shower.

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Thursday, October 25

We studied some Portuguese grammar in bed this morning. As much as I have complained about the heat here in the south, I am equally not excited for the cooler temperatures we are experiencing now. It seldom freezes here, but it is definitely getting cooler and more humid. Bed is the warmest place.

Merl called Nestor about the Sisters’ water heater. If Merl isn’t able to get it going, he will stop after work today to help. (Fortunately, Merl was able to get the water heater to work.)  I am sure the Sisters will be very grateful.

We spent most of the afternoon shopping for a new refrigerator for the Sisters. Their current one has cracks in the freezer compartment, and it rains all over their food. We went several places checking for options and doing price comparisons. We finally found one we thought would be best at Wortons by IKEA. And, they have free delivery – should be Saturday morning. We also purchased a magic wand and a sandwich maker for the missionaries.

We stopped at Lidl on our way home to do some grocery shopping. I have been thinking about

making two pots of soup with grilled cheese sandwiches. for Sunday lunch.  The forecast is for cold weather on Sunday – the coldest day so far this fall. Soup always sounds good to me this time of year.

After dinner, we took a walk to the park and found a rugby game in progress – high school age students - Ireland vs Loule. Loule won. Our brains are getting all mixed up – we couldn’t even understand the English that the Irish were speaking.

The Loule Elders stopped on their way home to pick up their Magic Wand. They were excited and said they were going home to make banana bread. I don’t know how that will work, but they said they would blend up the bananas. I later received a call wanting to know how many ounces a cup of flour weighs. With no scales and no measuring cups, the Elders were trying to figure out a recipe and how to make banana bread. I suggested they go to bed and I will find them some measuring cups in the morning.

Apartment Stuff and Family News

Friday, October 19

Today we spent the whole day in Faro helping the Elders prepare their apartment for a visit from the landlord. There has been an ongoing issue of suspect water damage in the apartment below due to things left on the outside balcony of the Elders.   A report from an engineer sent by the church said it is a structural issue and claims we have no responsibility. We wanted everything to be at its best when she arrived.  We hung four 8-9 foot mirrored closet doors back in their place.  We scrubbed walls and floors;, reorganized and cleaned out the storage room, cleaned the kitchen, scrubbed all the tile everywhere, etc. . . . When the Elders came back in the evening, they called us and said they thought they were in the wrong apartment. We did a good job!

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Saturday, October 20

We met the landlord (lady) at 10:00 this morning.  She said that she had been told we spoke Portuguese and that we would make a decision today if the church was going to pay for alleged damages and removal and replacement of the 7^th floor balcony.  In reality, we had only been asked to be present to take note of her concerns and report back to the office.   Fortunately, Elder McKee was in Faro for divisions. He had previously worked in the Mission office and was familiar with the processes. He did a good job listening, interpreting as needed for us, and letting her know how things work. She was not happy! It is all out of our hands now – will wait for the decisions to be made.

Because Elder McKee missed his bus back to Lagos, we volunteered to take him back and pickup Elder Alves. Of course, Elder Patricio made the trip with us.  Elder McKee missed a lunch appointment with the Elders, so we gave him a choice of what he would like for lunch. He chose McDonalds. We had been told that McDonalds in Portugal and Brazil is much better than in the U.S.  Elder Patricio showed me how to operate the touch screen menu board to purchase and pay for our meals – high tech stuff for me. We had a nice hour to visit after our harried morning.

We met the other Elders back at the church and made the exchange. The Lagos Branch building is closed for renovations, but it is still next to the Church of the Holy Spirit. The missionaries like to take pictures of that. We had to stop again at McDonalds on the way out of town to get everyone ice cream sundaes. Everyone slept all the way home – except Merl of course. He got us home safely.

I spent the evening preparing for Sunday lunch tomorrow. We needed to go to the market to pickup a few items; and then off to bed. Another very long day!

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Sunday, October 21

It rained pretty hard during the night. The Sisters usually walk to church on Sunday morning, inviting others along the way. Today they asked for a ride due to the suspected rain, but it turned out to be a pretty good day. It was good to have Bro. Mazi back after his health scare. He looked great today!

We have District Conference on November 3-4. After the last General Conference, Pres. Rui created a message group on Facebook for the Branch members. It has proven to be quite popular. Members are sharing talks and scriptures (with lots of big blue thumbs-up and some other miscellaneous things). It seems to be getting good information out to members who have phones but may not have computers. Schedules for church cleaning and other activities are also posted.

Lunch with the missionaries today was pulled pork sandwiches (got the barbeque sauce from Costco in Spain), creamy coleslaw, baked potato wedges, risotto, peaches. . . with ice cream bars for dessert.

It was fun to chat for a moment with Amber and Madelyn after the TF Bruin ladies took third place at the State Soccer Tournament – the best placing in the school’s history.

We also talked to Brian in Italy. Spirits are still good in spite of complications in resolving housing and visa issues. Things will work out, I am sure.



After this past crazy week, we took it easy the rest of the night – and didn’t even do the dishes. They will wait until tomorrow.

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Monday, October 22

Today is catch up day. We spent so much time away from home last week that we had plenty to keep us busy on this P-Day. Laundry and dishes took priority – as well as some general cleaning. We were informed that the Elders would be moved out of their apartment in Faro within the next 90 days – as soon as another location is found.

We finally had the go-ahead to purchase new items for all of our missionary apartments. Our inventory process a month ago showed that several of the missionaries did not have “sufficient stuff” to efficiently take care of themselves. We had fun shopping at IKEA to provide/replace some needed items like pots and pans, drinking glasses, mixing bowls, plates and bowls, utensils, dish cloths, bath mats. . . you get the picture.

After getting home, we made six piles in the front room, dividing up the items using our inventory list of each apartment. The first to receive their “pile” were the Sisters next door. They were thrilled. . . now they just need to get their new refrigerator.

Gelato, Couples Retreat, and Storks

Tuesday, October 16

We were up early to send off the Powers – back to their apartment near Lisbon. They had several stops along the way to make deliveries to some of their missionaries. Sister Powers and I had a good time together.

For some reason, the District Missionary meeting was scheduled to be in Loulé this morning. . . this meant we had to drive to Faro to pick up the Sister missionaries there and bring them back to Loulé.  To make matters worse, there was an accident on the highway, and traffic was backed up. The Loulé Elders were also stuck as they were going to Faro to pick up the Elders there. Consequently, the meeting started quite late.

We spent part of the day preparing ourselves, our refrigerator, and apartment to be gone for a couple of days. I have two plants (basil and chives) that need attention almost every day – either watering or moving from window to window for sun. I put together Merl’s snack pack for the road trip in the morning. We walked over to the Market to look for a few souvenir items as remembrance gifts from the Algarve.

Merl and I drove to Olhao to meet Antonio Fernandez, the electrician who was working on the water heater. We watched, holding our breath, as he installed the water heater. . . it works! The missionaries will be so excited when they come home and turn on the kitchen faucet. No more cold showers!

I finally convinced Merl to take a detour into Almancil to find a gelato place that Sisters Haws and Kelson loved – Gelateria Maria. We had driven past it before but adn’t had time to stop. Today we parked the car and went looking for it. To my dismay, we found it closed and ow under new management. We had a really nice visit with the new owner who will continue to have the same proucts. She also owns one of our favorite little eateries here in Loulé, Cafe Q.  It reopens on November 5. I knew of another shop a few blocks away, so we didn’t go without our gelato today – from the Gelato Station.

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Wednesday, October 17

First thing this morning, Merl made a quick trip to Faro to pick up a legal document from Elder Paul – something about a power of attorney for vehicles being transferred from Porto to Lisbon. Merl arrived back just in time to help pack our bags down to the street. The Laytons were picking us up out front.

We were excited to get on the road to Lisbon where we would meet all the Senior Couples for a day of hiking, meeting, eating, and fun. The Laytons are good company, and we had a nice visit on the drive. We talked about all the different kinds of trees that are planted with reforestation goals. About 40% of the land in Portugal is covered in forests of all kinds of trees. Stone pines are used for pine nuts, the tall pines for lumber for furniture and paper pulp, other pines for turpentine and resin. Then there is the cork tree, my favorite. Storks were discussed quite thoroughly. Before we knew it, we were crossing the bridge to Lisbon.

First we went to the office to drop off apartment supplies from the Lagoa apartment (being closed) and abandoned missionary clothing from several of our apartments. These items are put into the “Mission store” for others to pick up as needed. I found a few kitchen things for our area apartments. I left my computer with the office Elders who said they would try to figure out my Microsoft Office problems.

We drove to the mission home, where the Fillmores live. It is a beautiful home up on the hills surounded by Embassy housing of many countries. I have decided that it is okay for a Mission President to live in a very nice home to entertain missionaries, dignitaries, church leaders. . . and to have somewhere to relax. We are seeing up close what it takes to run a mission and take care of over 200 young people. Certainly not a job to be coveted! We visited until everyone arrived – then about 1:00 p.m., we (us, Laytons, Powers) rode in the big white van with Elders Alder and Shribner at the wheel to a mountainous area, The terrain was more like what we would find in Idaho.    (Foto:  View from the mission home)

We were excited for our hike to the site where Thomas S. Monson dedicated the land of Portugal for the preaching of the gospel. It was a beautiful, peaceful area with huge rocks and tree covered landscape. He weather was perfect...holding off the rain while we were there. The view on top, peaking over the city of Lisbon, was amazing. There is such a peaceful, reverent feeling there.
After President Fillmore shared the story of affairs in Portugal prior to the dedication, each couple was given a copy of the icatory prayer to read together. We then shared some of the feelings or insights we received. We are engaged in an important work and will be blessed in our efforts. We would like to see Portugal embrace the gospel like the people in Brazil have.  More photos of this beautiful site can be found at   https://www.facebook.com/groups/756107494729388/

Below are two links that provide some background of the church in Portugal along with the dedicatory prayer:
http://www.classcreator.net/Lisboa-Portugal-President-Hillam-Missionaries-1981-1984/class_forums_messages.cfm?tid=7970

https://www.lds.org/ensign/1987/10/discovering-gospel-riches-in-portugal?lang=eng

After the hike, we returned to the Mission Home for a discussion on several housing items and missionary health care – two big areas that the senior couples are involved in. It was good to get information and share our concerns and questions.

Dinner was prepared by Carmen and her husband, Diogo. Carmen helps Sister Fillmore around the house and is an amazing cook. All of the food had a Brazilian flair that we love. The highlight of the evening was when Sister West sang a special farewell song from the musical ‘Wicked’ called “Because I Knew You.” It was beautifully sung, and I am sure everyone was touched by its message. President and Sister Fillmore will miss them greatly.  The Laytons will also be going home to Utah in November - leaving us with the Algarve to watch over.  

After more visiting and enjoying being with each other, we and the Laytons said goodbye and found our way to our hotel for the night on the other side of the bridge. That way we could avoid all the morning traffic and get a head start for home. It was a nice hotel (Hotel A Sele) all decoated in black and white. It had been a wonderful, long day – and we slept well.

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Thursday, October 18

Happy Birthday, Curtis! Looks like you had a wonderful weekend in Utah.

We were up early and had a nice breakfast. I even tried a couple of sushi type things – slivered salmon on a cucumber slice and a seafood/rice roll. I am getting braver.

Elder Layton was very accommodating by driving slowly so I could take a few pictures – mostly stork nests. When we actually got out on the freeway, I think I slept most of the way home – we were pulling into Loule in short time.
 

 The Tavira apartment is being closed, so we made a trip to remove all of the church materials and clean things up the best we could. The landlord met us there and did an inventory check. Everything was in place. One thing discussed in our couples meeting was to assist in keeping housing expenses down by repairing, fixing, remediating problems ahead of time. We took that to heart and stayed for several hours doing some deep cleaning.  It is a very nice apartment.

Tonight we dropped a new shower curtain out our window to the Sisters - thanks to Sister Powers who had an extra one to share. They get so excited by little things.

Dinners, Visitors, Braving the Storm

Friday, Oct 12

The three sets of Loulé missionaries were invited to lunch by Sister Paula Neves. She is a Family History Missionary and was asked to help us by interpreting at church for a couple of Sundays. If there are angels on the earth, she has to be one of them. If there is good being done here, she is involved. She only lives a couple of blocks away from us, but it was still kind of hard to find her. Her address on a “praca” doesn’t show up on a map. After we found it, we had to go find the Elders. . . they are having a hard time getting around this area.

Sister Neves promised to fix us our first meal of bacalhau – I had mixed feelings about it from things I have heard from others. You either love it – or hate it. It is cod that has been dried and salted, then reconstituted by sitting in water for a couple of days.



 She first served us a traditional sopa
de verde (vegetable soup blended to a thin consistency – yummy!), followed by a green salad and two variations of bacalhau – whole fillets and pieces in a casserole type dish. The fillets were good, but a little salty for me, while the casserole was more mild. Mango mousse was served for dessert. We enjoyed being in her home and seeing a real Bimby! You need to look that one up!! All the craze in Europe. Our Mission “Mom” has two of them in her kitchen. The views of her apartment overlooking the bus station are incredible.

While the Sisters were out working this afternoon, Merl checked out some water issues at their apartment – he can’t do much about the low water pressure, but he did clean out the sink drain. Water is flowing well again.

Saturday, October 13

We got a call from the Elders to inform us that the remnant of Hurricane Leslie was heading towards the Portugal/Spain coast. We also received a call from the Powers to see how our weather was. So far, it has been cool and a bit windy, but not bad. They were planning to drive to Loulé early on Sunday morning and meet us at the church for Sacrament meeting. It rained pretty hard over night.

http://theportugalnews.com/news/hurricane-leslie-wreaks-havoc-as-it-rips-through-central-portugal/47184

I started food preparations for our Sunday missionary meal – chicken enchiladas, baked beef tacos, refried beans, tri-color salad, fruit bowl, and bread pudding.

Merl met with the subcontractor in Olhão in the afternoon to hopefully resolve the problem with the water heater. He removed the heater to take it to his shop and thinks he can fix it and return it on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m.

We took an evening walk to our little local market to pick up a few last minute items to prepare dinner tomorrow. As we left the market, we were met by two guys on the street who saw our name tags and starting praising Jesus and God and shared some of their beliefs – as it turned out, they were hungry and just wanted a piece of sausage, a piece of bread, and a box of juice. They didn’t want to have anything I offered them from my grocery bag, but they were very content accepting some money from Merl – hope they used it for food. This is our first encounter with beggars here. We were a target in Brazil because Merl always gave them something.

Sunday, October 14

As we entered the church this morning, we were met by a family from Arizona who new Brad Hobbs – Mark and Sandy Arner. Bro. Harner delivered one of their children while they were in Washington D.C. in school (I think). We have had many instances of meeting people with connections with home – it has proven to show that we live in a small world, especially if you have ties to the church -then the world gets even smaller. 

Elder and Sister Powers (Mark and Katia) arrived shortly after Sacrament meeting started. We were so happy to see they arrived safely. The weather around Lisbon and north of there was not good due to Hurricane Leslie off the coast. Their daughter served a mission in Portugal close to 15 years ago, and Loulé was her favorite area. She had given her parents the names of several people she wanted them to contact. . . and all of them were at church. There were many experiences and hugs shared by these good people.

We had prepared lunch for the missionaries and the Powers; but Nestor and family invited the Powers to go with them to see where the Sisters used to live and work – and to have dinner with them. It was a perfect day for them. As it was, we had three more at our table than we expected. The meal turned out well, and the missionaries say they like eating with us – they don’t have to be too concerned with what is being served.

Later in the evening, when the Powers returned, they shared dried figs, almonds, and honey they had received from Bro. Nestor and his little farm operation. I fixed some grilled chicken burgers for a quick dinner. All was very good! We had prepared a bed in our spare bedroom with a couple of pads and a king heating pad cover (they push two twins together to make a king). Most beds are really hard here – the loved their private room and bath.

Monday, October 15

After waking up, fixing a little breakfast and visiting with the Powers, I decided to accompany Sister Powers to Faro for her training with Helena Silva on the church medical system. It was raining again today. It took us a little while, but we finally found her home – on a bluff along the coast in a well-to-to neighborhood. I had not been in a “stand alone” house here – just apartments. It was a beautiful, spacious home.

Sister Silva and Sister Powers worked in an office on the computer, and I chose to sit in the living room with my computer to catch up on a few things. After a little while, a man entered the front door and went down the hall; he didn’t notice me. He puttered around in the kitchen for a bit, visited with his wife, and then came back down the hall. He was surprised to see me there, and said, “Sister Egbert, what are you doing here?” I then recognized him and put two and two together. I was sitting in the home of the District President, Manuel Silva. We visited for a while, and I learned that he had gone to the U of U and became a nurse; he then received his Masters degree there and worked for Inter-mountain Health Care and was a Bishop in Utah. He and his family lived in Utah for eight years before returning to Portugal. He is now the District President for the entire Algarve area.

We talked about learning languages (he is fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese). I told him I wasn’t sure if I even knew how to study effectively to learn a language. His analogy was that you can read the Book of Mormon ten times and not really know or understand it until you need to apply it to something in your life. He thinks language is the same. . . you can study and learn, but you really don’t know it until you are force to use it and apply it. His recommendation was just to surround ourselves with the native speakers and wing it (my interpretation of what he was saying.) He then brought me a nice plate of snacks and a glass of water.

When the Sisters were finished with their work, Sister Powers and I decided that we wanted to find the Faro Beach while we were in the area. It was P-day. It didn’t matter that the wind was blowing and it was raining. After a little drive and a few wrong turns, we finally found our way – heading to the beach. We first stopped by a little fruit stand on the side of the road and purchased some oranges and a watermelon. Sister Powers engaged in a discussion with the vendor and left him with a pass-along card. . . which he really didn’t want to take. It was fun to watch.

The storm was increasingly getting worse, but we had come this far and we weren’t turning back. In fact, we started across a one-way, one lane bridge over a waterway with the beach in sight. We didn’t notice (visibility pretty low) that there was a little traffic light above on the side of the road. It must have been red when we entered; we were about half way across when a line of cars were coming straight for us. Poor Sister Powers didn’t have any choice but to back all the way off the bridge and let the cars pass – and then wait for the green light. It was almost hysterical by this time (you had to be there.)

We could hardly open the car doors to get out, but we were determined to get a picture of the beach – the little bit we could see (remember we have a hurricane/tropical storm north of us). Two bus loads of tourists were trying to do the same. A quick, non-flattering selfie was taken and we ran to the car covered with wet sand and salt. We did arrive home safely and stopped at our little pastelaria across from the apartment for a pastry and a most delicious cup of hot chocolate to warm us up.  We then found our husbands still working and studying away. They missed out on the adventure today.

Later in the afternoon Sister Powers and I went walking with Candida Centeio, a woman who had been contacted by the daughter of Sister Powers 15 years ago.  She wanted to show us where the church was previously, the hangout areas of the missionaries, and where she was living when the missionaries found her.  We had a wonderful walk around the center of Loule - places so close that we hadn't been to before. 

We had been invited to President Rui and Candida’s home for dinner at 8:30. We drove – not knowing that they lived few blocks away on the third floor of a building. They have a nice, compact apartment and one three year old son. Candida prepared an elegant dinner with goblets filled with olives and baby cucumbers, bread with dipping sauces, rice with a wonderful vegetable-fish soup, and a rich chocolate cake for dessert. They shared the story of their meeting and joining the church. I will try to put the story together at a later time. They are a dynamic couple now, making a difference in our little Branch. We left around 11:00 p.m. and discovered that Sister Powers had left her phone. She called Pres. Rui, and we walked back to get it – beautiful evening.