Algarve/Setubal Zone Conference, Staying Warm, and Happy Birthday

Tuesday, November 6          Happy Birthday to my sister, Karla.  Hope you had a great day!

Today started early. . . We were up at 6:00 and had the car loaded by 7:00. In addition to the cookies, we had a glass water dispenser, 10 gallons of water, paper products, oranges/lemons, and THE toolbox. The Sisters met us outside their door, and we were off to Setubal for Zone Conference. We enjoyed pointing out some of favorite sites along the freeway – cork trees (freshly decorked), stork nests on power lines, beautiful orchards and vineyards, and miles of beautiful country – a little greener with all the recent rain.

We have discussed the purpose of the many meetings that missionaries attend – weekly district meetings, local Zone conferences, combined Zone conferences, Leadership conferences, etc. Transporting so many people from across the mission, feeding them, and sometimes housing them has to be very expensive. I know they receive wonderful training, counsel, and direction. I asked the Sisters what they get out of the meetings. In addition to the missionary training they receive, the emotional and spiritual uplift is important. Missionary work is hard, and sometimes you feel you are alone and feel strange in your environment. Meeting with others going through the same experiences, finding joy in being together, observing that “you” aren’t strange, but normal young people (they were more eloquent). . . all together makes the meetings a blessing in their lives.

Due to Merl’s diligent studying yesterday and his good memory today, we drove straight to the church without any mistakes. Elder Alder in the office said to expect phone service again sometime today.

We had 65 missionaries (including three senior couples and Pres. snd Sister Fillmore) at the Setubal/Algarve Zones conference. Merl was excited to meet Sister Moyes from Murray, Utah. He was sure she would be related to the Murtaugh Moyes family – but she didn’t know Ivan and Mae, or David. He got a picture of her and had a nice visit.  (Photo:  Sister Johnson and Sister Moyes)

We spent most of our time in the morning setting up a large classroom and preparing for lunch. Just before lunch, all the missionaries (who signed up) were given flu shots by local nurses sent to the church. The process of requesting shots, getting insurance paperwork processed, and arranging for shot-givers was a complicated ordeal. If the senior couples want flu shots, we have been deemed smart enough to take care of it ourselves.

Lunch was pizza, bread sticks, and apples. Plenty of pizza for everyone! A chocolate break in the afternoon and cookies before going home was the last of our assignment for the day. Merl and Elder Powers spent time checking out some cork trees growing on the church property. Much to Merl’s surprise, he discovered acorns on the cork trees – they are actually a variety of Oak. They gathered some acorns (not sure why) and researched the possibility of growing cork in Idaho. Cork trees don’t tolerate any frost, so we have a sack of acorns to look at.

Merl was asked to check an electrical panel of the Elders in Setubal.  Their power had been off for a couple of days, but they reported they had fixed it.  To be safe, Merl went to check on it. . . all was well, they had replaced a fuse.  Pres. Fillmore takes an active part in caring for the health of the missionaries.  This photo is an example of sharing a method of relieving back tension - do this for 15 minutes.  I actually tried it at home later that night.

The Loule Elders left their gas card in their apartment this morning and requested to borrow ours. Merl let them take it since we should have enough gas to get back home. We ended up with 20 kilometers left on the gas tank.

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Wednesday, November 7

This morning we studied Portuguese and read scriptures – 1 Nephi 2 and D&C 8. We are starting at the beginning again. We had been gathering “abandoned” clothing from the missionary apartments and had another load to take to the church. Merl also filled up the car with gas (the Elders returned the card last night).

Our big air conditioner/heating heating unit had stopped working – we were very sad. Merl took it apart, cleaned all the filters, unclogged a water line, and put it back together. . . and it is working again! Doesn’t quite replace a nice warm fireplace, but it is certainly better than nothing. It doesn’t get below freezing here (normally) at any time of the year; but it is humid and windy. I have a hard time staying warm.

We had an appointment with the Sisters to visit a new member in Almancil this evening. They were already working there, so we first had to find them. Then we got quite lost trying to find where Edgar Moreno lives. With some phone calls and more directions, we met him at an identified location and then drove to his apartment – up a very narrow road. He has a nice, small one room apartment; and a special spirit was there as the five of us filled the room. The Sisters gave him a new member discussion on the Restoration. He was excited to let us know that he received the Melchizedek after District Conference on Sunday. He has been a member for one year and his been meeting with Mario Silva to learn about the priesthood. Transportation to the church is difficult, but he does his best to get there. He is from Angola and is from a large family of 10 children. He and two of his brothers now live in Portugal, but far apart. He is a very soft spoken, pleasant individual, and we we enjoyed the evening with him.

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Thursday, November 8 

Happy Birthday to Carson Egbert who now is 11 years old! I can’t keep up!!

Today was a down-day. My crazy cold is hanging on, and all I wanted to do today is stay wrapped up in a big blanket. It rained most of the day, so it was a good day to stay inside and catch up on things. It is nice that we each have our own corner in the apartment to do our own thing. I made some appointments for apartment inspections next week, and Merl scheduled a trip to Portimao tomorrow to say good-bye to the Laytons who are going home to Utah next Monday. We will miss them! When they leave, we will have 20 missionaries in the entire Algarve area that we will have stewardship over. Our area is being doubled; we anticipate being on the road more.

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Friday, November 9

I had just gotten out of the shower – and was dressed (fortunately) when we heard a buzzer at the door downstairs. We had an early morning visit from the Sisters with brought us a pancake breakfast for my birthday. They had to be up very early to have time to be so kind.

 We had apartment inspections in Olhao today – we were greeted by both sets of Elders with a birthday song and some fresh cookies made by Elder White. I think Sister Ngalu has been spreading the word. I received a phone call from the Faro Elders and Sisters who were meeting together – all four are Brazilians, but they know our traditional song. The apartments are looking great!

Merl had to drive “quickly” to Portimao to make our 3:00 appointment. It was sad to say farewell to Laytons, and we celebrated their new beginnings and my birthday by a visit to Choco and Nuts, a fun ice cream store close to their apartment. We first drove by the missionary apartments as we will now be doing inspections here and stopped at the church for a quick tour – we will be frequenting the church now. The Portimao Elders and Sisters were there to give more birthday wishes (Yes, Sister Ngalu has been busy). We enjoyed our ice cream treats. There were lots of choices between waffles, crepes, and pancakes with ice cream, fruit, Nutella, whipped cream,etc. Very creative and fun atmosphere!

We returned home to find balloons and a “Parabens” banner on our apartment door. These missionaries are determined to not let me forget I am getting older. . . minute by minute. 

 About 9:30 p.m., there was again a buzz at the door. The Loule Elders and Sisters came in with a birthday bundt caked topped with blueberries and fun candles – and more ice cream. What great young people we have the blessing to work with every day! In spite of the extra pounds I have probably gained today, it was a wonderful way to celebrate the passing of another year.