Week 35 August 25 - 31

 Aug 26      Cooper's birthday today!  The big 8!!


 Organized around the house a bit. Loaded up the car with supplies to finish the projects at the Olhao apartment. Worked hard, up and down stairs. . . Met with the land lady at 1:30. She said we were five star renters – leaving the apartment better than we found it. Now just have to figure out how to get the big stuff down five flights of stairs – washing machine, big floor air conditioner, queen mattress. Some of the soft stuff, we dropped down the middle of the circular stair cases.


Some men trimming up the palm trees along the road.  You can't see the guy up dropping things out of the top (on the left).



Rushed to Continent to pick up bread and stuff for sandwiches on the bus tomorrow. Then a trip to Albufeira for two piano lessons. As soon as we walked in the door, Ermelinda pointed out a broken blind – she had bought replacement cord but needed help installing.it . . I gave 2 lessons while Merl worked on the blinds.  He was successful but came away with several scratches on his hands - poor installation in the first place.

Invited to stay for a late dinner. Karina (one of the students) works in a hotel restaurant – loves to cook. She ade a big pot of noodles and mixed in big shrimp in a creamy sauce - it was delicious. The family eats the whole shrimp – meat, shell, heads, eyeballs. . .  the family from Cabo Verde. Ermilinda served us homemade yogurt and honey before dinner and fresh papaya for dessert. Great family!

As we were driving away, Merl said that was a great 49^th anniversary dinner (tomorrow). We will actually be in Lisbon at the temple open house tomorrow.  Great way to start our 50^th year of marriage.

Aug 27 Tue     Happy anniversary to us!

Packed a lunch for the trip and walked to the church to catch the bus at 8:00. The ar is packed full of stuff from Olhao. 

The bus was full of our good branch members – stopped in Albufeira to pick up a group and then in Messines to pick up a mother and son (who we didn’t know). Sister Ermalinda brought a container of yogurt and honey and several cookies for us – her favorite from Cabo Verde (too dry and hard to eat). Kind of a fun ride for Merl – he is always driving and pays close attention to the road. This was his first time to relax and enjoy the scenery of Portugal. Stopped halfway for a lunch/potty break. 

Arrived about 11:30 – checked our bag in at the “cloak room” and met Sister Kelson and her companion. Sister Kelson was the first Sister we met on the mission – she and Sister Madsen had the key to our apartment and let us in. She goes home in a month – my how she has grown. Love her! She and her companion were our “group host” in the pre tour presentation.

It was great to see so many of the Portuguese members actively serving in all capacities of the open house.  The Young Men (as young as 10) were helping with parking and giving directions.  Many young people helped with white booties and pushing wheel chairs.   of the temple Assisted Alice



The temple was beautiful!  Our tour guide through the temple was Pres. Manuel Silva, our previous District President in the Algarve.  As we were all sitting in a sealing room, he asked Merl and I to express some of our feelings.  In Portuguese, I told them that on this very day, 49 years ago, we were kneeling at an altar in a temple in Idaho as we were married for time and eternity.  What a sacred, special experience.  Merl spoke briefly about the importance of the covenants we make in the temple and how it helps us get through all the little stuff - stay focused on our eternal goals.

We visited the cultural hall of the Stake Center to view the displays and visit with the Sister Missionaries working there.  There were several displays of the materials used in the temple (fabrics, woods, marble, tiles, stained glass).  Impressive!  We stopped by the Annex to visit with the Marriotts who were taking care of meals for the Sisters.  Merl took the liberty of sitting in the formal chairs as they had been moved from the VIP area.  The Prime Minister of Portugal will be visiting in just a few days.

Our bus ride home was uneventful - except for two phone calls from a couple of missionaries.  Elder Phillips (from Idaho now in Beja) called to say his urine was red and didn't know what to do.  I handed the phone to Merl - I like to give him the medical questions.  They talked through the symptoms, pains. . . nothing.  My first question was "have you been eating beets?"  Bingo!  He ate a lot of beets yesterday.  Problem solved.  The second call was from Elder Ross in Olhao.  He sliced his thumb through the nail, and it was bleeding badly.  Merl got this call, too.  Not seeing it, we contacted Sister Fillmore who recommended that he go to the hospital for probable stitches.  

The bus arrived back to the church about 8:00 p.m.  We walked home and called Elder Ross.  They had been sitting in the hospital for a few hours with now assistance.  He was classified as a non-emergency case.  Merl gathered up some first aid supplies, and we drove to the Faro hospital to take care of his finger.  It wasn't as bad as we thought it might be, so we bandaged it and sent him home.  

Wed Aug 28    District Counsel  today so we had to empty all the Olhao apartment stuff out of the car. before giving the sisters a ride to Faro.  We took a table to the Loule Elders apartment.  Made little snacks (cucumber with cream cheese, turkey and olive on crackers; and banana with peanut butter and kiwi; and pineapple upside down cake (left overs).  The missionaries will eat anything and are grateful for it!

We watched a nice video on missionary stuff with Brent Nielsen and Pres. Uchtdorf.

Merl's response to "What does the scripture mean that says, "Salvataion is free?"  Is salvation by works or by grace?"  Romans 3:22-24; 2 Nephi 2:4.  

We are being saved from all the consequences that were brought about by the choice of Adam and Eve to partake of the forbidden fruit which brought about the fall

First, by partaking of the fruit, physical death came upon all men, and secondly, Adam and Eve were removed from the Garden of Eden and from the presence of God. This is called Spiritual Death and this also came upon all men. These consequences came upon all men as a result of Adam and Eve’s choices and not by our individual choices. Therefore, both consequences (deaths) were also removed from all men through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ paid for the sins of all men, thus satisfying the law of Justice and thereby invoking the law of mercy to overcome the spiritual death brought about by Adam and Eve. This allows all men, after this life, to return to the presence of God – but that return is for the purpose of being judged. And how will we be judged? – by our works and the desires and intentions of our hearts – based now on our own choices.

Physical Death is overcome completely for all mankind through the power of the resurrection brought about by Jesus Christ who had power over death – He being the first to be resurrected.

These two deaths are both overcome by the Grace and mercy of God through, and because of the Atonement of His Son, lest any man should boast. None of us can do anything to earn or deserve this salvation or redemption. It is a free gift to all mankind.

We ate a little lunch, changed our clothes and drive a few blocks to a huge orchard/treed area to help the Querales family harvest "Alfaarroba pods"  (carob) from 2:00 to 8:30. The Sisters assisted for a couple of hours, too.

 The land and trees are owned by aged cousins of Sandra.  Proceeds are split between the families.  It is rather mindless work, relaxing in a way.  Reminded me of potato harvest where we would fill up baskets with potatoes and dump them in big gunny sacks.  Similar, we are picking up black pods (reminded us of the locust tree pods) in buckets, crawling around on the ground as others are knocking the pods out of the tree with long sticks.    We worked hard and had a tour of the property.  There were may variaties of trees (alfarroba, almond, persimmon, citrus, pomegranate, fig, and others).  Most of the trees are old and in bad condition - mosty due to lack of water and trimming.  The family shared watermelon, fresh figs, and slices of maracuja.. .  The evening was pleasant after a hot day of work. 

Called Pres. Texeira for info on disposing of a washing machine. Elders will help us get it down five flights of stairs tomorrow.  There is an agency that will pick it up for recycling.  

Thurs Aug 29    First task for today was a 10:30 piano  lesson with Thomas.  Then off to Olhao to remove the washing machine, water heater, space heater, and air conditioner.  We  asked the Olhao Elders for some assistance - and they were a blessing (Elders Eriksson and Ross).  It didn't take too long to get the job done.  We repaid the favor by taking them to Maxi Pizza - had the biggest pizzas I have ever seen - and they were actually really good.  We can't say that about many of the pizzas here.  When we arrived back at the apartment, we found two young Cigano boys (gypsies) with their horse and cart loading up as much of the stuff as they could carry.  All the left was the washer.  They waved at us as they left.

We spent a few hours this afternoon at the alfarroba (pronounced Alfahoba).  Today, Nestor used tarp/nets spread out under the trees this time, much easier picking.  Then back to Olhaot to meet with the landlady to determine if there were any issues with the apartment that needed to be fixed or compensation made by the Mission).




We took a late night walk around the city to check out all the preparations being made for Branca Noite.  This is held on August 31 to celebrate or say goodbye to the summer.  It is a huge event - amazing.

Fri Aug 30   Paid internet bill and caught up on a few things, laundry, dishes, organization.  It was 100 degrees F today - stifling!  One more trip back to Olhao – patched holes in tile, final cleaning, put new lock on mail box, missionaries came to move washing maching to trash area for gov. pickup . Rushed back to Loule for piano lessons at church with Tomas and Daniel.  Tonight was also a youth activity - Jared taught the youth his style of dancing along with Andreia Silva teaching some line dancing.

A dinner of rice, chicken/mushroom stroganoff, salad/tomatoes and ice cream was served.  We then helped clean the church for Sunday.

The night wasn't over yet.  One more trip to Olhao to remove several pieces of furniture that the landlady didn't want.   After the activity, Merl, Ricardo and Kelma Rodrigues went ahead to meet missionaries and Bruno at the apartment.  They helped carry the furniture down the five flights of stairs – sofa hide-a-bed, dining table, wardrobe, mattress.  I went with Sandra to pick up the big truck up in the field where we have been picking alfarrobas. Nice visit with Sandra on the drive over. . . there isn’t much that I think she has never done.  We arrived and the truck was loaded quickly. One leg of the table was broken – we took it home to repair. . Ricardo and Kelma left with Sandra to drop off the furniture to a new family from Brazil  – who came with nothing. Not members yet, but interested.  Ricardo kept the wardrobe for their house.  Some damage was done, so Merl will be fixing that.

It had been a long day and we went to bed exhausted again tonight.

Saturday, Aug 31 Cooper baptism - we so miss participating in these special occasions.  Love this family photo.

Picked up a mission mattress from the church (Sandra dropped it off there). Went to olhao to sign end of contract papers and take meter readings.

Sisters asked us to go with them to Clayton and Bruna Oliveira – where the furniture was delivered last night.  We had a hard time finding them up a steep, narrow road behind a nice home – tiny apartment with almost nothing. . . but the furniture we sent.  We had a good visit with Clayton (Bruna was at work) and his two young boys, Miguel and Lucas (5 and 3). We bore our testimonies of the Book of Mormon – on the spur of the moment. The discussion went well. . . nice family.

Stopped in Almancil on the way home to pick up a few groceries at the British store – and a box of ice cream bars to eat on the way home.

Went to Tor for a piano lesson with Caio – a perfectionist who gets discouraged easily. He has worked hard with the flash cards and has memorized the placement of notes on the staff. He wants to play everything without looking at his hands, like he sees the professional pianist do. . . He and Raquel will be moving to Lagos soon, but we will continue with lessons. Just outside their kitchen window is the most beautiful view of the mountains and valleys – along with a nice fruit orchard. I picked grapes and figs. . . Brazilians love to eat snacks and visit whenever they have company. We were there until about 9:00 and rushed home to walk around the city streets (along with thousands of other people) celebrating the end of the summer holidays, August 31 – Branca Noite (White Night).

Band shells and concert stages set up all over the city center area – right where we live. We had to park several blocks away as the roads were all closed. We changed into our white clothes and joined the crowd. This little city knows how to party and draw the crowds. We have watched the preparations taking place all week long. Every tree, sign, pole. . . all wrapped in white fabric, big white spot lights installed everywhere, false white ceiling hung along the road in front of us. . . beautiful!

We enjoyed the music (some of it), sights, people . . . went to bed at midnight – closing up the house tight to keep out the sound – party and concerts went until 3:00 a.m.

Week 34 Aug 18 - 24

Sun Aug 18    We got ready for church and then packed the car for our road trip to Lisbon, by way of Sines. With the closure of the Sisters apartment in Olhao, we had new bedding and supplies for the Elders apartment.  The Elders had alerted us that they thought they had bedbugs.  Our thorough investigation found no signs of bedbugs, but Elder Shriber has bites from something – possibly fleas while in a member's home that has lots of dogs.  They are to continue to be observant and identify the source. 

After our visit in Sines, we drove to Almada to get a key to an empty apartment from Sister Powers. They were just finishing dinner with  a set of Elders and their investigator.  We slipped into the kitchen to not disturb anyone.   We visited and had a bite to eat.  We followed Elder Powers to the  apartment we would be staying in for a few days.  It is on the other side of Almada –  a large apartment in rough condition that has housed four Elders. All we could see were repairs and cleaning. But  we are here to help with meals for the Sisters  that are working at the temple open house. Priority 1. Got beds put in to place and found some pillows and bedding. Elder and Sister Powers and former missionary, Daniel Noad, will also be staying in  this apartment on Monday night. Will be interesting.

Finally got to bed around midnight.

Mond Aug 19 We woke up early, got ready, had a little breakfast and on our way at 10:00. Our first destination was "Entre Bolo" apastelharia business owned by a church member previously from Brazil, Claudia.  We drove across the red bridge to a new area where we picked up todays meals Only had a couple of detours getting there. 

 Another 20 minute drive to the temple on the other side of Lisbon.  Merl hates driving in Lisbon.  We were met by Pres. Mello from the Algarve District.  He is the Executive Secretary of the Temple Committee.  He informed us that our lunch location was changed from the Stake Center kitchen to the annex building next to the stake center – the VIP center where Elder Anderson and his wife, temple president, Seventies reps, area leaders from Germany, and political dignitaries etc. will be having their meetings and meals. 

The temple grounds are beautiful – amazed at how well the landscape came together – looks like everything is in a their natural setting with years of growth – but all new.  Photo is of 300 years old olives transplanted from Spain. 

Beautiful facility – some furniture and areas off limits – and keep it perfectly clean. Merl told Elder Mello that he worked in maintenance at the temple at home and knew what perfect meant. We got settled, accounted for the food and the sisters, and set up. Sisters came in groups of 4 – 6 for lunch. Salad, grilled chicken, cheese quiche, jello, juice . Nice visits – clean up. Study for a little bit, set up for lanche (snacks) at 5:00. Tuna cakes, garlic pate, crackers/bread, salad, chocolate cake, goiaba biscuit/cookies. Cleaning up when Pres. And Sister Fillmore and six Elders arrived with Pres. Mello – visiting, discussion on how we have to do everything we can do, study things out, and then ask.

Cleaned – perfectly – and packed up and left at 8:00 for drive back to apartment. Two more days of this schedule.

Elder and Sister Powers (and former missinary, Daniel Noad) spent the night with us in our borrowed apartment. The Powers’ family of 7 were staying at their apartment. We made up some make-shift beds and got through the night.  (one of new favorite pictures - in the temple annex)



After two months being home from his mission, Daniel returned to help with the temple open house in any way that he could.  He was there every day - leaving at 6:00 in the morning and arriving back home around midnight.  Such dedication to the people he loved here while serving!

Tues Aug 20 Daniel left early to catch the train to the temple, and the Powers were gone by 8:30 – to go feed the ducks with their grandkids. We left around 10 to pick up the food at the bakery and arrived at the temple around 11:00. Set up for lunch – enjoyed visiting with the sisters. Pres. Mello is the executive Secretary of the temple committee – and ends up doing everything. Has been fun getting to know him better since he is the District President of the Algarve. Got a new phone today from Elder Cook – having trouble setting it up.

2^nd round of food and clean up. Walked around the temple grounds and took some pictures before heading home with two phones not working well (GPS). Did miraculously arrive at the apartment and checked maps and email. Tired. . .

Wed Aug 21 Last day helping at the temple. Had a hard time finding the temple this morning. . . arrived at 11:30. Set up and ready for Sisters at 12:00. Drove to Pingo Doce for butter and cleaning solutions. Nice visit with Pres. Mellow who helped me with my phone and GPS; and Elder Moureira – Went to the Cultural hall of the stake center to see displays for visitors. Fixed dinner when we got home and started cleaning walls ,etc.

Welcome home to Logan!  So proud of his wonderful service as a missionary.  We love all the missionaries here in Portugal - such a good group of young people!




Thurs Aug 22 Spent half the day at the apartment in Lisbon repairing, cleaning, patching, painting Exhausted. Left for home about 3:00. Arrived at 8:00 ish. Streets closed on plaza – little farmers market in the street. . . vinyl records, coins and stamps for sale Unloaded the car and went across the street to water the sisters’ plant.

Fri Aug 23   Started off the day with a load of laundry.  I then arranged kitchen supplies from the Olhao apartment for a video to share with missionaries – do you need anything?

Merl ran out of ink in his printer for as I was printing extra musicsheets for our piano kids. First lesson this week was at noon with Tomas. Afterwards, we picked up a fan from the Loule Elders apartment and searched town for a someplace to buy cartridge.  We did find one that looks promising, but it was closed today.

We headed back up the hill north of town again for our three piano lessons lessons in Salir.  These kids are doing well!   The families always prepare something for us after the lessons.  Tonight we had snacks with Pres. Giuvanni and Pollyanna – wonderful, faithful couple from Brazil.









On our way home from Saliar, we stopped for a  lesson with Caio (Raquel) – He is so excited for lessons – will progress quickly.

 Learned they will be moving to Lagos in September – sad for us and the Branch - but better for their little family as Caio is comuting now and gets home late.



Arrived home at 10:00  and learned that Preston is in hopital with pneumonia.  Prayers for him!

August 24 Sat walked to market for a few things, stopped at Q Ice for gelado – Crystal putting on a brave front, but very pregnant and sick. She’s a trouper. Found a shop to refill an ink cartridge.  We were looking to by a new one, but the owner said it was much cheaper and just as good to get a refil.  We tried it. He may be able to replace the cracked screen on Merl’s Nexis, too.  We will take it to him next week.

Studied, worked around the apartment, and prepared for Sunday.  It was a long, busy week!

Week 33 August 11 - 17

Sun Aug 11 Morning came early – church today was a special Missionary focused program. The primary and youth sang two numbers I hope they call me on a mission and There is Sunshine in my Soul Today. Both Candida and Nestor spoke – both had a close relationship with Mae Powers . After Ssacrament meeting, Nestor invited Mae to come to the pulpit to share a message with the branch members – many of them who knew her. It was a special, emotional meeting.

Merl was asked to take our JAS members to Faro to a committee meeting (Leandro and Eunice). . . we are now the official leadership support (adult oversight) for the JAS group – under the direction of Elder and Sister Marriott. Caio asked for piano lessons. Will probably add him on Friday after the kids.   He lives up on the hill closed to Nestor and on the way to Salir where our other three piano students live.

Sister Powers and I hurried home to get lunch on the table for the hungry family. We had 11 of us and we had plenty of food. I made pulled chicken sandwiches, egg salad sandwiches, 7 layer dip with chips, pita roll ups, big vegetable relish tray with dip, potato salad; cut up fruit; brownies.  We put candles in the brownies for "  " birthday.  

 Elder Powers stayed behind and talked with Merl about all kinds of health stuff while the rest of the Powers family went for a walk around the city reminiscing about the time Mae lived here and the she people taught. Next stop for them was to visit Tomie and Mario Silva before heading to Salema for the week. Great family.  Tome was not able to attend church today because of her broken leg

.

We took a late afternoon drive to Faro to visit with Sisters George and Breinholt – rash is getting better.  Sister George's head is still causing her some problems - but seems to be slowly improving.

Monday Aug 12   We made aother trip to Faro to check in on Sisters George and Breinholt – still down with the concussion.

Seems like out Sisters are all struggling a bit right now.  We learned that  Sister Hales is needing a ride on Tuesday for a doctor. appointment in Almancil.  Sister Moulton continues to have her ups and downs - missionary work can be very challenging.

Worked on the blog while Merl studied. We took the Sisters to Albufeira with us to visit members in the city while we taught a piano lesson to Risiani – Karina missed her bus connections coming back from Porto. Will have to catch her later in the week. Risiani is doing well.  The apartment is home for Ermilinda, here three daughters (the youngest has Downs Syndrome), and Karina (a niece, I think).  Ermalinda is not afraid to tackle fix-it jobs, but she was grateful that Merl helped her fix the doorknob and lock on her front door – it was a challenge.

After picking up the sisters, we drove home and made arrangements for our trip tomorrow aftermppm to Lisbon for a temple tour and zone conference. We will be taking Sisters George and Breinholt – smoother ride in the car for Sis. George.  The conference starts early on Wednesday morning, so we are driving up on Tuesday evening.  

Aug 13  Tuesday    I cleaned the kitchen and did some laundry before taking Sister Hales to the doctor in Almancil. While she was there, we went to the British Store (a little frantic with no GPS) but found it.  We got some good deals today.  Overall the prices are higher in the overseas market, but it has items from England and the U.S. that aren't available in the Portuguese markets.   Picked up the sisters after their appointent and tried to find a gas station that had some gas – all out. We had been asked to bring 60 bananas with us to Lisbon for lunch; the Adersons are bringing 60 apples.  We went to three grocery stores to find enough good bananas. I fixed lunch for the Sisters and packed our overnight bag.

We took our Loule Sisters to the train at 3:30 and then picked up the Faro Sisters for the long drive to Lisbon.  We didn’t want Sister George being jostled around on the train.  We were able to find a gast station outside of Faro that still had some gas. . . so we topped off the tank.  The drive was uneventful - the passengers almost always sleep all the way.  

Dropped the sisters off at the temple, and they walked a block to the apartment they are staying in.

 We had trouble finding the hotel that the office elders said they had made a reservation for us.  We finally found the hotel, but there was no reservation.  A phone call to the office revealed that we had been given the wrong hotel name.  The correct hotel was next door to the original one.  We finally got checked in and settled.  The room was simple, and rather interesting. . . there was a curtain that separated bed area from the shower and toilet. . .

Morning – quick breakfast and a crazy trip to the temple. My phone has not been working – not connecting to wifi or the data plan. . . haven’t been able to figure it out. Filled up with gas and finally saw the steeple so we arrived at the temple a few minutes late.

This zone conference was for five zones - the largest group we had met with.  We met in the new Stake Center next to the temple and went in small groups over the temple.  All temples are beautiful and this one is no different.  It is small and and tastefuly decorated in shades of lavender, greens, beige inthe upholstery and flowers, lots of tile and marble, simply decorated.
The grounds are beautiful.   What is amazing is that two months ago all that was here was dirt and rocks.  Now there are 300 year old olive trees and tall palm trees along with beautiful flowers and shrubs. The Portuguese people are blessed to have a temple now. . . and they will love it.

After the tour, we drove to Mem Martins for zone conference. This was our first time in this city and chapel.  We had five zones together, about 100 people.

President Fillmore first spoke about the Gathering of Israel.  The word in Portuguese is "coligacao de Israel."  Which means to bring together or connect Israel.  The Latin word ligar means to connect.  In Portuguese, ligar means to call or connect by phone, or to turn on/connect the light or the television.  Eu ligo voce = I will call you.  Ligue a luz = turn on the light.   The gather (bringing together) of Israel and sealing (connecting) together of families is occurring on both sides of the veil.  This could never occur without the coming forth of the Book of Mormon which clarifies the Doctrine of Christ and contains the fullness of His Everlasting Gospel or without the sealing power,by whih families are sealed together for eternity,  This power was returned to the earth by the angels Elijah and Moroni through the prophet Joseph Smith in fulfillment of ancient prphecies.  There is not another church on this earth that has the power or a full understading of the meaning or extent of the Gathering of Israel. 

That is what all this missionnary work is about - gathering the House of Israel from all parts of the world.  As we entered the conferencee room, there were oranges all over the room, in random places.  After this discussion, President Fillmore asked everyone to go find an orange and bring it to the box - used as an example of "gathering."

Two missionary were asked to give a seven minute discourse on establishing the church.  Then there was role play and companionship study. It had already been a long day, and lunch was delayed (Subway ovens weren’t working), so we served the apples and bananas. . . waited, and still no sandwiches. Called the busses to come pick up everyone for the trip to the dedication site for the preaching of the gospel in Portugal. Everyone changed into P-Day clothes - the Elders using the chapel.  Photo indicating Sister Fillmore didn't know where all the Elders had gone. . .It was a long ride; Merl and I sat on the front row behind the bus driver - bad decision.  He was not a careful driver, and Merl was a nervous wreck by the time we arrived at our destination.

It was a beautiful day for a walk to the monument in the mountain with pine trees and boulders. One year ago, we went with the Casals to this site. It is such a serene place so close to the bustling city of Lisbon.  President Fillmore read the dedicatory prayer given by then Elder Thomas Monson when Portugal was opened up for missionary work.  Testimonies were shared and pictures taken. . . a special, beautiful area.

 The ride back to the church was not much better.  The sandwiches and cookies had been delivered, and they were devoured in no time.

Missionary who will be returning home at the end of this transfer were invited to share their testimonies.  Everyone joined in the Mission song; and then it was time to clean up, pack up .  We discovered 100 KitKat bars in the fricge - which were to have been handed out after lunch.  Pres. FIllmore always likes chocolate to perk everybody back up.  With the strange schedule, this had been forgotten.  We handed out candy bars to those who had not left – saved the rest in a disguised box in the refrigerator for the Marriotts for meeting on Friday.   They Merl got to drive  home. while the rest of us slept most of the way. 

When we arrived home, we discovered that we had lost our internet connection at the house – we pay every 15 days, and today was the the 15 day. . .and too late to recharge our account.  Merl ill have to get their first thing in the morning. Feeling l

Elders in Sines (Shriber and Garay) called to tell us they think they have bed bugs – calls and pictures.  Probably will need to make a trip soon. Also, Elder Flores says the Portimao apartment has cockroaches. . . Looks like a fun rest of the week.

Thur Aug 15

Resigned up for internet.  The bad part is that we lost all of our unused balance.   Piano lessons with Tomas – then took a teclada and books to Caio Martins.  He has always wanted to play the piano and is so excited to start lessons. 

We met Wellington, a Brazilian man who is living with the family while looking for work.  He will bring his family from Brazil when he gets established.  Cairo and Raquel were from the same stake - also Ricardo and Kelma are from the same stake in Brazil . 

We hadn't expected to fine Caio at home, but it was a holiday.  Portugal has random holidays all the time.   The August 15th  holiday is the feast day of the Asssumptio of Mary which celebrates the Christian belief that God assumed the Virgin Mary into heaven following her death. 

We received and reviewed inventory list of the Olhao apartment that was in the file. Most of the items are not in the apartment – hope they were removed by the landlady somewhere along the line.

Fri Aug 16

Spent the day in Olhao emptying out the apartment, cleaning, repairing. . .

Piano lessons in Salir for Emily, Felipe, and Daniel. Kids are doing well with piano – learning notes on lines. We were invited to a surprise Churrasco dinner with the Ricardo, Giovani and Nestor families.  Kelma had made a chocolate cake before we arrived, and she showed me how to finish it - with milk wash and chocolate ganuche filling.  Sandra Batista grilled several types of  meat, chicken, and fish; served with beans, rice, tomatoes, juice and dessert.  It was a beautiful evening shared wish good Brazilian fiends (Nestor's family is a mix - Venezuelan and Portuguese).  Got home around 9:30

Sat Aug 17
We returned to Olhao to prepare for meeting with the land lady to close apartment. We received a phone call giving us our schedule and responsibilities for next week when we will be in Lisbon helping with meals for the sister missionaries serving at the temple open house.  We are excited for this opportunity.  We also received a call from Elder Taylor who is not doing well.  He thinks he has a stomach blockage.  Merl talked to him and send the info to Sister Fillmore.  Recommeded to drink lots of water and rest.  

Later in the day, we received a call from Eulalio – needed help to clean the church.   We were exhausted but went over.and helped sweep and mop floors. 

About 8:00 p.m., we met some branch members at te Cerca de Convento for a band concert featuring one of our branch members, Silvio Switha. Pretty good music - lots of American hits and sung in English.  It went until mdnight, nonstop.  We went home at 11:00 and could still listen from our windows. Music got louder and more screamy the later it got.


Merl had a bowl of bread and milk at 11:30 and crawled into bed. VWe have had a very long, hard couple of days. Carrying heavy things up and down four flights of stairs. . . we are really feeling our age.  Crashed.