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.