Week 39 September 22 - 28

Sun Sept 22    Prepared for church and packed a little food for our trip to Beja to meet the Powers. We are taking a sack of things that Sister Moulton left behind to the Powers and picking up Merl’s suit bag which he left on our last trip.

Had a nice Sacrament meeting and met two older couples from Alberta, Canada, Sister Neves translated for them. One of the men is the Branch President of a small branch in Alberta – he said it is much smaller than our Branch. We visited for a while after church about their trip (three weeks – starting at the Rome Temple) and what being a missionary is like here. There are 10 things they knew about Portugal that are must do’s. They have done three so far. . . ate custard tarts, ate Piri piri chicken, and golfed in the Algarve. They have loved it. We said goodbye and headed to Beja to meet up with the Powers.

Beja has a lovely little church – right next to the castle – within the narrow, windy streets within the castle walls. Some corners of the walls have been worn away by being hit by cars. We found the small parking lot behind the church and had a nice tour of the chapel by the Branch President Bonza and his wife, Salina Bonza. e we waited for the Powers, we walked around the chapel grounds - you drive through an opening to get to the back parking area.  Mirrors are positioned on outside walls to show when traffic is coming around the narrow streets.

The Powers returned for us, and we followed them to the home of Graca Oliveira – a lady they had been introduced to them by their daughter, Mae, when she was visiting earlier this year.  She had been a missionary here and knew Graca.

Graca was a delightful person. She invited us into her home – two story duplex in a long row of duplexes close to where the Elders live. Her husband is a pilot and works away from home for long periods of time. They have lived in several places, including Virginia. They have two grown children, daughter in college and a son working as a co-pilot for American Airlines in the U.S. He hopes to become a pilot. Her home is the most “memorabilia” filled home we have ever been in. The walls, tops of any piece of flat furniture, the floors – you name it. . . it was covered with beautiful artistic, cultural things imaginable. . . and very tastefully put together. Every room in the large home presented a history of their lives. Good visit – exchanged phone numbers for possible future visits. Wish I had taken photos. . . maybe next time.  

Said goodbye to the Powers and we went our two separate ways. We arrived home around 5:30. Merl practiced the piano, we listened to a talk on the two restorations (restoration of the church and the continuing restoration of the fullness of the gospel). I fixed a nice salmon dinner with shredded potatoes, steamed mixed vegies (asparagas, broccoli, carrots). Tried reaching Curtis without any luck.
(Passing a truck loaded with fresh-cut cork.)

Sept 23, Monday We had not made any P-Day plans for today, so it was pretty relaxing to just stay home and take care of business. Merl did get a call from the Sisters on how to check the air pressure on the tires of their car. The gasket was missing from the gauge, so Merl suggested they stop at the Toyota dealership on their way to Faro to pick up the other sisters for their P-Day trip to Portimao.

I decided to clean our balcony this morning – it took me two hours to complete the job – scraping off years of paint spatters and a messy grouting job. It looks so much better now, and I am sure our clothes will appreciate drying in a better space. Merl took the vacuum down to the garage and cleaned out our car – it really needed it.

We had a good, late breakfast and then settled into our own projects on the computer. I have been trying to catch up on the blog. I took some fig cake to our music maker man and fruit market man – I haven’t been baking as much the past couple of months, so they appreciated my offering today.

We did go out for a walk in the park before dark – pleasant temperature. . . fall is showing signs of being close. Leaves are falling in the park – even though it never freezes here.  A lot of progress is being made on the addition/renovation of the grounds around the skatepark.  We had a good workout on the exercise machines and came back home to spend a quiet evening. Curtis called back – still working with the renter on carpet stuff. Merl talked to Curtis about his new laundry room proposal in the house. Sounds like a plan.

Sept 24 Tues Merl has been getting up early to listen to a Regain your Brain series; he then fills me in on everything he is learning. As we age and have our senior moments, there is always a little fear of dementia. . . we are doing everything in our power to remain alert and healthy!

Our refrigerator likes to freeze drops of water on the back wall – I discovered a huge chunk of ice when trying to get some juice from the back – stuck to the wall. So we defrosted and cleaned the inside of the refrigerator today. Made onion bread (2 whole onions, 1/3 cup flax seed – mix in blender, spread on cookie sheet and bake) makes a nice thin bread.

Late afternoon we went to Primark to look for some shoes (found them) and to a couple of grocery stores for things for District Council and JAS meeting tomorrow. The Sisters came over in the evening to visit; learned that they had a nail and a screw in two different tires. They were lucky to not be stranded out on the freeway somewhere.

Wed Sept 25 When Merl wakes early and can’t go back to sleep, he gets up and reads or studies. Today he listened to the fourth episode on Brain Health. While Merl was preparing his message for District meeting today, I made lemon cookies and little onion bread bites with cream cheese and tomato/cucumber/olive toppers for District counsel.

Elder Goff has been beginning our meetings with a little video clip of “Just Do It.” Merls discussion this week was on the two restorations. I gave the closing prayer in Portuguese. Our new District leaders (Elders Goff and Ross) have made great efforts to include us in conversation and input. Meetings are much more lively.

The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (The New and Everlasting Covenant) versus the Restoration of “All things”

Isaiah 29:11-14; A marvelous work and a wonder; a book from the dust;

Matthew 17:11; Elias shall come to restore all things;

Revelation 14:6 Everlasting Gospel preached to all Nations;

Ephesians 1:10 Dispensation of the fulness of times…he will gather together in one all things;

Acts 3:21; Times of the restitution of all things.

There are two restorations that shall occur.

First is the restoration of the fulness of the Gospel and the New and Everlasting Covenants which was first given to Adam and Eve. This is now in progress and is made possible through the calling of new prophets and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and other new scripture.

Second is the time of the Second Coming (Acts 3:21) when Christ will again come down from Heaven and restore all the conditions that existed upon this earth before the fall of Adam. The earth will then receive its paradisiacal state. All disease, sorrow, deception, unfairness, oppression, violence, injustice will cease upon the earth. He will redeem all mankind from the effects of the fall (but not from their own unrepentant sins). The wicked will be burned and the good and righteous will be spared and caught up to meet Him.

Our responsibility is to help God in preparing for the Second Coming by helping open peoples’ eyes to the truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and helping them come unto Christ through the everlasting covenants, beginning with baptism.

We did some grocery shopping and then spent time at home preparing for our JAS activity tonight – First Institute class of the fall – studying from the Come Follow Me manual. Fortunately I made enough cookies and snacks this morning to have enough for the evening meeting. It has been good getting to know the young adults in our District and helping to strengthen the program.

 When we arrived home, there was lots of loud music and talking coming from the main plaza. Upon inspection, we found a big political rally for upcoming elections of city officials.

Thur Sept 26 Piano lessons with Tomas...still struggling with note recognition (doesn’t practice much). Sandra shared some persimmon with us that she picked at the alfarroba place. Said we could pick some when we would like.

Fri Sept 27 Merl has been listening to a series each morning this week on “Regrain your Brain.” The premise is that dementia and alhzymers is reversible. Information on how to prevent ourselves from memory loss and demention includes diet, exercise, sleep, supplements, cognative activities;  we are really trying to stay healthy in our aging years.

Walked to the park this morning – focusing on increasing our heart rate by doing more walking than strength building.  Merl practices the piano every day – starting to play two hands together.  Exercising body and mind. . .

We then walked to the alfarroba orchard to pick persimmons at our friend’s place.  (Persimmons known as dióspiro in Portugal and as caqui in Brazil.  

Powers called to let us know that they will be going home earlier than planned. The landlady of their apartment wants to move back into it, so they need to vacate by the end of October. They were already planning to go home for a week when their son gets married in November. Now they are going to go home on October 30 and not return. We are very sad – they have become such good friends

Made a yummy persimmon cake this afternoon. Took molasses cookies to Salir with us for piano lessons and persimmon cake to Sandras in Tor. Arrived home – Merl practiced piano again – he is really trying to stay ahead – or up with Daniel.  I think he is doing great!

Reading, studying, catching up in the later evening. Sun is going down earlier all the time. I think Autumn is almost here. Merl wrote a document entitled “Salvation is free.”

Sept 28 Sat  I had promised to take Alexandra some persimmon cake – since she has been letting us pick the fruit. They have several trees, and the fruit is falling on the ground. . . it is a shame. She was anxious to try it.

As we were returning to our apartment, we met the Sisters on one of the becos (alleys) behind our complex. They showed us where Amelia lives (an elderly sister in the branch that doesn’t read). She has invited us a few times to come see her – and now we know where to find her. .. #136. We later took a container of persimmon cake to the Sisters.

I made another batch of onion/flax bread and a batch of hummus. Good stuff! We took a drive to Sao Bras in the hopes of finding Clayton and/or Bruna at home, but they were not. On the way home, we purchased a music ledger book thinking I could simplify some music for our piano students who need more interesting songs to help them learn to read notes on staffs. It is a challenge. I made a valiant effort in copying the music onto the new paper, but the lines are too small to be very legible. Need another plan.

Our days lately have been filled with studying scriptures and Gospel Principles. There is so much “Anti-Christ” stuff against the church, its leaders, and the Book of Mormon that no wonder some people are so confused. Propaganda full of misrepresentation, personal bias and agenda, and conclusions based on incomplete and inaccurate information is prevalent.

Week 38 September 15 - 21

Sunday, Sept 15 

Said our goodbyes and headed back to the Algarve.
Wanted to meet with our district and branch members for the temple dedication today. Arrived in time to change clothes and drive to Faro. Feelings about the dedication. . . .

Pictures

Delivered pillows to our three sets of missionaries – some acted like it was Christmas. . . so excited to have their own pillows.

Home for a nap and then a late dinner. When our sisters arrived home, we tossed them their pillows out the window – we were too tired to walk down the stairs.

Monday, Sept 16   Received an email from Sandra saying that Nestor would be in the Alfarroba orchard all day if we had time to come help him. We had breakfast and took care of a few things before walking to the property. Gate was locked, but we were able to let ourselves in by the side gate.

Met were met by the lady of the house (relative of Sandra) letting us know that Nestor would be coming after lunch. We decided to stay and get started.The daughter, Alexandra age 34,  worked with us – she speaks a little English, and we had pleasant conversations about all kinds of things. She is an only child with aging parents, doesn’t know what will become of the property when they pass on – it is too much for her to handle by herself. Nestor and Sandra (her cousins) have been helping for years, sharing the profits of the harvest. We picked 8 big gunny sacks in three hours before being invited to have some cold melon. Nestor and Sister missionaries had not arrived yet, but we decided it was time for us to go home.

Napped for a couple of hours and then drove to Portimao to deliver pillows to the other side of the Algarve. Visited with the Andersons and had ice cream and peaches. Hit the spot. As the sun was going down, Merl and I headed for the beach. I needed to walk in the sand and get my feet wet – even if it was dark. It is a shame that we don’t take advantage of being so close to the ocean to enjoy it once in a while. I am going to work on that.

Home for bread and milk for dinner, preparing treats for district council tomorrow (Carob bars, and rice krispy bars – no sugar – just honey and peanut butter).

Watched some Go-Go Goff church videos – really like his take on things.  Great insight based on sound gospel doctrine.

Tue Sept 17 Made a batch of fig muffins before District Council to add to the carob bars and honey rice krispies.  Elder Goff conducts a much more interactive, energetic meeting - and includes us a lot more (which can be good but challenging for us.  Two questions he asked were "What did we learn at the missionary conference with Elder Anderson and what attributes do we want to develop before our mission is completed.)

Photo:  Sisters Hales, Collins, Fjeldsted, George; and Elders Ross,  Goff, Sales, Taylor

Merl’s discussions are usually prompted by a question or request from the missionaries.  Today, the question was:  "What does it mean to endure to the end?"

To be able to stand and endure in these latter days one must hold on to your testimonies of the truth of the following doctrine:

a.      Know that there is a God and He is our literal spiritual Father in Heaven. We are created in His express image and likeness.

b.      Know that Jesus Christ is the literal Son of God, our Savior and Redeemer.

c.       Know that Joseph Smith is the Prophet called by God to Restore Christ’s Church and the Kingdom of God back to the earth in these latter days.

d.      Know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is truly The Church of Jesus Christ. It is the only true and living church on the earth.

e.      Know that the Book of Mormon is true and is a second witness of Jesus Christ written by ancient prophets of God.

These things can be known only by the witness of the Holy Spirit coupled with study and the prayer of faith by those who have real intent to come unto Christ.

Other principles of Enduring to the end are taught in the following scriptures.

·         Matthew 24:11-14; stand against “false prophets, deception, and iniquity.”

·         2 Timothy 4:3-5; “endure sound doctrine” “endure afflictions”

·         Hebrews 6:10,12,15; “labor of love” “minister to the Saints” “patiently endure”

·         Hebrews 12:5-11;  “endure chastening”

·         James 1:12-15; “endure temptation”

·         2 Nephi 31:20; “steadfastness in Christ” “feast upon the words of Christ”

·         D&C 14:7; “Keep the commandments”

·         D&C 20:25,29; “repent and believe on Jesus Christ, be baptized, endure in faith”

·         D&C 63:20; “endure in Faith and doeth my will”

This must continue to the end of our probation, here or in the spirit world. (see Alma 40:12)

Everyone loved the  treats inspired by local products – Honey from Sandra, Figs from Caio, inspiration for Alfarroba bars from Nestor.

The Sisters asked if they could come watch Pres. Nelsons BYU Devotional talk on our computer. While we were watching, I managed to put together a nice dinner for them – pizza with a mix of sauteed vegetables topped with spaghetti sauce and cheese, and a fruit salad. Emptied my fridge – must go grocery shopping tomorrow.

Pres. Nelson addressed the Laws and Love of God and the five truths that all the young people of the church should know.  1.  You are sons and daughters of God.  2.  Truth is truth.  3. God loves us with perfect love.  4.  The Lord Jesus Christ, whose church this is, appoints prophet and apostles to communicate His love and teach His laws.  5.  You will know for yourself what is true and what is not.   POWERFUL!  I am so grateful for my testimony and knowledge that we are engaged in the
work of the Lord..

Maybe not the smartest thing to ende the day, but we stayed up late to watch the replay of BYU's wiin over SCU.  An exciting football game to prepare us for sleep.

Wed Sept 18 Overseas, Lydl to pick up produce to restock the refrigerator. We have really been focusing on eating healthy and getting more exercise. We have been spending more time reading and studying, answering questions and counseling with the missionaries.

Thur Sept 19

Went to the Loule Elders empty apartment to get a weight set that belongs to Nestor. He has asked for it back. . . but it was not there. Spent much of the day tracking down where it could be. Finally have confirmed that it is in the AP’s apartment in Lisbon. Our Loule Elders had the set in the car when they went to Lisbon two transfers ago. They couldn’t take the set to their new apartments, so they left it in the car that was left at the office. . . someone found them and decided to use them. Now we just have to figure out a way to get them back to the Algarve.

Piano lesson with Tomas at 6:00. He is “too busy” to practice – not buying it. Had a nice visit with Sandra on multiple things, but especially enjoyed talking about her bee and honey business. Didn’t know how much goes on in a hive to get our sweet honey. She actually had to take a course at the university to get a license to have bees and to sell the honey. This family never sits still. . . she also a school teacher, traveling to 10 schools each week teaching computer/robotics, and now is also a school librarian.

Fri Sept 20 Walk to the park – weather is cooler – unexpected rain – we are in a drought here so every drop is welcome. Haven’t had rain for months – wish it would last all day.

Asked construction workers coming back from lunch what the plan was for the area around the skatepark. People have been working there all summer. Just continuing with the current Loule City Park – adding volleyball area, gardens, walking paths.

A little grocery shopping – Merl is working on the credit card purchase for the office. They need receipts, purpose, who received goods, etc. Also gas records. Just like home.  Merl is also diligint in practicing the piano – starting to play with two hands.  I am impressed.

Started on treats for a baptism tomorrow (Olhao Elders) and a Young Single Adult Institute class and registration – both in Faro.

Piano lessons in Salir Discussion with Poliana about culture and customs in Brazil – offering food everytime you are in their homes.  Stopped at Sandra’s to drop off music and purchase some honey. We have been learning a lot of fascinating things about bees.

Watched the first episode of the Book of Mormon series. Very well done – just too short. New episodes will come out each Friday.

Sat Sept 21 Alicia’s birthday - looks like there was a fun "girls' night out as a belated celebration of a special day.  Happy birthday, Alicia!

Market Day!  woke up to rain this morning – rained off and on all day. The trees are probably very happy! made a pan of banana chocolate chip bars for the baptism. Went to the market to hopefully find some figs – wanted to make fig muffins again. . . they were so good. Fortunately, at the market today, I found one of the vendors who had a few figs left – going out of season. We bought figs, corn on the cob, little hat peppers. Doubled the batch of batter to have enough for both the baptism and the YSA (JAS - Joven Adulto Solitario) meeting tonight. Also tried to make a batch of peanut butter/honey rice krispy bars – didn’t stick together very well, but tasted good.

 Baptism was scheduled at 4:00 and JASt 7:00. I had muffins in the oven and was still in casual clothes when the sisters called needing a ride to the baptism. We said okay – and then we found out that the time had changed to 2:30 (instead of 4:00). . . and it was now to 1:50! It takes 25 minutes to drive to the church in Faro. The Elders forgot to let us know, and Merl was asked to lead the music. I threw curlers in my hair, we changed clothes, got the treats ready, put the rest of the batter in the fridge. We were out of the house at 2:05. . . with curlers still in my hair. Then we waited for the sisters until 2:15 – they were having issues with their washing machine not draining. . . .

Needless to say, we were a little late getting to the church.

When we were half way to Faro, I decided to send a message to the Elders – probably wasn’t too nice at the time, but was really funny. My text was: “Just confirming the time. . . treats are in the oven, will be there at 4:00.” The sisters thought it was hilarious when a short time later, my phone rang. It was Elder Goff feeling terrible – they had forgotten to call to let us know about the change in time– they were apologizing all over the place. I just said we would get there as soon as we could. We all had a good laugh watching their reaction when we walked in - almost on time . . they were still apologizing.

But, as expected, the man being baptized was even later than we were – so it all worked out.    Isidoro Gomes Mendes Teixeira was baptized by Domingos Rodrigues, 2 ^nd counselor in the Olhao Branch. Elders Ross and Goff were so happy to witness the baptism of their new friend that they have been teaching for a long time. Treats were great – with the addition of a chocolate cake and juice.

After arriving back home, I finished baking the fig muffins – putting the last into a cake pan to make a fig cake. I really like fresh figs!

Back to Faro. There were eight young people at the church to begin a new course of Institute. The class is taught by Brother Helder Rodriguez (prounounded as elder). He has taught for several years. Other youth around the district joined in using Zoom. Merl and I got the refreshments ready and went to three grocery stores looking for Guarana – the drink of preference tonight. Didn’t find any – so bought pineapple sumo and two other boxes of juice. Also found some coconut oil and special “healthy” bread at Aldi.

Had fun visiting with the youth after the class – a great bunch of young, active people. We met a Vadim Cristea, a new young man from Muldova (tiny country between Romania and Ukraine). Speaks Russian, Romanian, Ukrainian, English, French, and a little English – and even less Portguese. He says he was miraculously led to Portugal to find truth – and joined the church. I understand he has an amazing story.

It was late when we arrived home (after taking Bruno back to Olhao). Couldn’t let the day end without calling Alicia to wish her a happy birthday. It was good to talk to her and the kids. They are all growing up and changing so much. We will have to get to know everyone all over again when we get home. Miss everyone.

Week 37 Sept. 8 - 14

Sunday Sept 8     Made it to church just in time – with the cakes in tow. Put them in the refrigerator and hoped they would still be there after meetings. Klayton and boys were not at church today. We left Merl’s furniture clamps on a cabinet door – Klayton said he would bring them to church to us.  We will need to go get them.

Pres. Mello (District President and Executive Secretary of the Temple Committee) spoke today about the temple and many of his special experiences while working on the committee. He later was the teacher for the Sunday School class and talked about the truce nature of God – taken from the King Follette discourse.





As soon as the meeting was over, we found Leonardo and Eunice and headed to Olhao to pick up Bruno for the JAS committee meeting. All five branches were represented today – coordinated by the Marriotts - it is their senior missionary assignment to get the program going in Portugal. Possible activities for the rest of this year and for 2020 were discussed along with coordination with regional and stake activities from the Lisbon area. We will be taking Daniel and Laisa to Lisbon in October to meet with the stake committees (we are not part of a stake yet).

We had chocolate cake after the meeting – a good surprise for Bruno – it was his birthday. He is actually the committee head, but he will be going to the U.S. next month through December. Daniel (a returned missionary) will take the lead. We delivered everyone back to their homes and had a nice lunch – chicken, potatoes, carrots, etc. cooked in the pressure cooker with a fruit salad.

Drove to Sao Bras to pick up the furniture clamps and to drop off some pillows. Had a nice visit with Kayton and Bruna. Their microwave isn’t working now, and they don’t have gas for their cooktop (with no oven). Not sure what they eat. We did give them a used sandwich maker so they can at least make some grilled cheese sandwiches.

Another walk to the park this evening was refreshing – after the sun goes down. The sisters came over to wait for the transfer phone calls. New transfer information: Sister Moulton will be going to Costa de Caprica; Sister Collins will be coming as Sister Hales new companion (new Sister Trainers for the Algarve); Elder Paul is going to Setubal; and Elder Erikssen is going to Santa Andreais.  In the evening, Curtis called to get some instructions on electrical and plumbing things with the pond, bathroom, and outside kitchen.

The past few weeks has brought mixed feeling of being away from home. Our families have been packing in all their end of summer camping trips and actvities; kids are all getting back into school, Logan has returned from the Philippines, fall sports have started, and pictures of school dances with our grandkids and their dates. I have really been missing home. The work is good here; we are staying busy and know that we are blessing lives in many different ways. . . but it is still hard. So looking forward to the temple dedication and the opportunity to be in the House of the Lord again. Families can indeed be together forever – so a little separation now should be okay.

Monday, September 9    P-Day Got up a little late this morning, made keto banana pancakes for breakfast, and hit the streets – looking for possible under-stove cabinet options at used furniture stores. Found a couple of possibilities, but didn’t make any purchases. Merl also took his Nexis to a shop to have the screen replaced – he sat on it and cracked it a couple of months ago. It was time to repair it or get a new one. It was a good walk this morning, and it got hot pretty fast.

Today was another trip to Sao Bras to put the leg back on the table for Klayton and Bruna. Merl also rehung a cabinet door and put together a temporary counter-top for the stove top (that still doesn’t have any gas). We were there for a couple of hours. Klayton is trying to learn English, so we say everything in English and Portuguese, correcting and helping each other. It has been good to spend time with this little family. Klayton works at a bakery at night, and Bruna works lauandry during the day.  In Brazil, Bruna was a nurse, but is not licensed here in Portugal.  They have so little, but they are grateful for what they do have and feel that their prayers are being answered by the actions of others.

IKEA visit – I wanted to get some matching cups, bowls, and plates for the boys. . they have nothing of their own except two matchbox cars. They do have access to some pens and markers – which they have used to write all over the white walls in their little apartment.

We even stopped at the upstairs restaurant this evening and had a quick dinner – meatballs with mixed vegetables, mashed potatoes and gravy. The Powers have talking about how much the like the IKEA meatballs that we had to try them. Merl wasn’t real thrilled with his plate – especially wasn’t crazy about the vegetables (had eggplant and peppers mixed in). I thought it was quite tasty.

Back home to rest for a bit before getting on the computers to catch up on finances and history/blog. Piano lessons in Albufeira fell through tonight – girls had something come up. There was a post I found on my phone listing 95 things about President Nelson (in recognition of his birthday). What an amazing man! And yet so humble and human.

Sept 10 Tues   Transfer Day     Up early to take the Sisters to the train station at 7:30 this morning. Sister Hales and Sister Collins will be returning with a car – since we still are not going to have Elders here, the Sisters will continue to work in Albufeira, Quarteira, Almancil, Sao Bras, and Loule – and all the little areas between.

Took Merl's Nexis in to have the screen replaced. We are working with Andersons on refrigerator replacement - Sister Anderson told them to defrost their freezer by putting pots of hot water on the shelves of the freezer but she neglected to tell them to turn off the refrigerator before doing that. The circuitry was overloaded and burned up something.  The comsters came home this evening with a car – called us to see where to park. Unfortunatly, they don't have a parking garage and will have to fight for a space on the street.   A nice walk in park the park ended our day.

Sept 11 Weds-    Thoughts were drawn back to the fateful September 11 tragedy this morning.  So many feelings.  All the missionaries are in the process of transfers, and we had nothing pressing today.   I decided to deep clean the apartment which kept me busy most of the day. Merl did a lot of reading today.  Ended the day by catching up a little on the blog (one month behind).

Sept 12 Thurs   Went to Olhao to pay water bill AmbiOlhao which was a small office hidden way back in narrow streets with no parking.  We finally parked the car and decided to go on foot.  We were impressed that we could talk to people on the streets and communicate well enough to find the place. Finally have the Olhao Sisters apartment totally out of our hands.



Piano lessons  with Tomas. Home for a quick lunch and then to piano lessons in Salir. Rushed home to pay internet bill and pick up Merl’s Nexis from the repair shop before closing. Off to Albufeira for piano lessons for Risiane (Karina didn’t get home from work). Back home to pack car for trip to Lisbon. Call from Curtis – renter wants to install new carpet in duplex and take it off their rent.

Fri Sept 13 Packed and on the road by 8:30 – heading to Setubal. Replaced a shower hose for Elder Nichols and Elder Castro – very nice apartment (wouldn’t mind living there myself – except the city is too big and busy for Merl). Determined the problem and went to AKI to purchase the hose. While there, we also removed the molding caulk around the shower and replaced it with new white caulk. Makes a huge difference. . . even if it is cosmetic.

Stopped at the mission office to unload he car – lots of things from the Olhao apartment that we closed. Sister Garrard gave us new pillows for all the missionaries in our area. New policy – bring your own or buy your own – personal item. She showed us the new art and décor in the office – a much warmer, inviting place.

On to Seixal where Elders Barbosa and Gover don’t have hot water in their bathrooms. Merl reset the thermostat and experimented with water flow. Really confusing because occasionally, the water would start to warm up in the showers, but then turn cold again. Cold and hot water valves are in four different places. . . finally decided that the landlord needed to be contacted. Nothing is wrong with the hot water heater – problem with the plumbing. Their apartment is even bigger and nicer than the Setubal apartment.

Almada apartment – where we stayed three nights while helping with the temple open house. Returned to finish a coupld of projects – recaulking a shower and removing hard water build up on tile and shower hardware. We were really tired by the time we finished the third apartment and

arrived at the Power’s apartment at 9:00 p.m. Sister Powers had a nice supper prepared for us – curry/quinoa soup, crackeris with chicken salad, green salad. Nice visit around the table and in bed by 11:00. Call from Jenny Castlebury – wants permission to put in new carpet and take it off their rent.

Saturday Sept 15     Breakfast and getting ready for the missionary conference with Elder Neal A. Anderson. Daniel Noad, a recent missionary from Texas, is staying with the Powers – he returned to help with the temple open house in any way he could. He leaves for the temple at 6:00 in the morning and returns around midnight, every day. We had a nice visit with him this morning over breakfast. . .

Rather than take two cars to the temple, we rode with the Powers.  We arrived just a couple minutes lat and found the chapel full of missionaries – all the missionaries in the entire Portugal mission.  Shortly thereafter, Elder Neal A. Anderson entered the chapel (along with Elder Sabin, Elder Duncan, Elder Teixera, Elder Moreira, and their wives).  We each were able to shake their hands before being reseated for the meeting.


(Elder Anderson, Apostle; Pres. Teixera, Presidency of the Seventy; Elder Duncan, Seventy; Elder Sabin, European Area President Seventy; Joaquim Moreira Area Seventy)



Most of the meeting was conducted in English - refreshing for us.  We were impressed by the strength of the Portuguese pioneers in the gospel.

The Lisbon Temple becomes the Church’s 166th operating temple worldwide.  Elder Anderson called attention to Portugal’s fascinating history of global discovery and likened it to Latter-day Saints going to the temple as explorers seeking to discover something greater than lands and riches.

In earlier interviews with the Church News to summarize the themes of his dedicatory remarks planned for Lisbon, Elder Andersen noted the historic achievements of Portuguese explorers such as Bartolomeu Dias, who helped map Africa’s coastline; Vasco da Gama, who followed Dias’s initial route and continued on to chart a seagoing course to India; Ferdinand Magellan, who is credited as the first to circle the globe, by sailing below South America and through the straits that now bear his name; and even Christopher Columbus, who spent seven years in Portugal observing and learning from other explorers.

Elder Jose A. Teixeira  a Portugal native and member of the Presidency of the Seventy said: “You cannot disassociate the city of Lisbon from the ocean—it is an integral part of who we are. … The history of the Portuguese is about discovering the world.”

Elder Andersen explained the analogy with the new Lisbon Portugal Temple. “In this dedicated and consecrated house of the Lord, we too are explorers, searching not for new lands but for something much more precious,” he said, then quoting John 17:3 “‘This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent.’

“As disciples of Jesus Christ, we enter into this house to discover the things of eternity and to prepare us to one day travel through the veil back to our heavenly home.”

PORTUGAL:  Exploration. Discovery. And returning home.  It has been a fundamental part of Portugal’s history for more than five centuries. And for the second time in the last half-century, a latter-day Apostle has evoked the imagery and accomplishments of 15th– and 16th-century sea-traveling Portuguese explorers in a key dedication for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in this European country.

I appreciated the thoughts given by a couple of the authorities' wives to the young missionaries.  Sis. Teixeira:  1.  Be of good cheer.  You can conguer all the challenges of your mission life.  2.  Faith is a present from God.  Be obedient to the commandments, the prophet, from your leaders.  3:  Love - work on that.  4. Knowledge - Pray and read scriptures to receive revelation.  Memorize scriptures so you are free to work with the spirit.  5.  Preparation:  P-Day is not play day, it is a preparation dat.  6.  Have joy!  Your work here will be a badge of honor.

After the meeting, lunch was provided by the mission at a restaurant around the corner next to the Pousada de Juventude where the sisters stayed during the open house. There was a Long line – serving around 200, but the food was good and everyone was happy. We had a nice time visiting  with other senior couples before driving back to the Powers' apartment.

  Sister Powers received a phone call from the Seixal Elders – they left their key at an apartment in Lisbon area – She and I drove over to let the landlord in to check the water heater problem while the Elders went for their key. On our way home, she wanted to show me a place she really liked., Quinta de Fidalga.  At one time the estate (palace and grounds) was owned by a prominent family for hundreds of years.

The property that was purchased by the city – palace, gardens, orchards, ponds, stone/shell structures – It was once a beautiful place – as the family died, no one wanted to keep it. If someone had an interest and some money, it could be restored and be a beautiful attraction again.

Sister Powers received a phone call from the Seixal Elders – they left their key at an apartment in Lisbon area – She and I drove over to let the landlord in to check the water heater problem while the Elders went for their key. On our way home, she wanted to show me a place she really liked.