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.)
* ** * * *
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.
*
* * * * *
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 2nd 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!!
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