From Portugal With Love: Sunday, November 4, 2012

The first three days of last week were very busy as we were completing our contacts for the month. We have a certain number of high-priority contacts which the leaders want us to make, and then we feel that everyone needs to be contacted in some manner. So the last couple of days I sent lots of text messages to those who hadn’t had another type of contact. Our two ladies in Spain are a huge help. We received a very nice email from Susie saying how much she loved making the contacts and how grateful she is for this wonderful program. She actually knows some of the participants because of the callings she has had with the Young Adults. She is a great blessing to us.

We have had quite a few days with some rain this week, but the forecasts for the coming week look like we will have lots of sun. It will be a nice change, but the rain has been great.

On Thursday it was a holiday here, so we took advantage of the day to do something fun. We drove to Porto Brandao and took the ferry across the river to Belem. It only cost 5,60 euros for both of us to go across and return. What a bargain! While in Belem we wanted to visit an old cathedral there, but it was so crowded, we will try again later. We did have lunch at the Pasteis de Belem and then had some of their delicious pastries for which they are famous. Yummy! We enjoyed our time there and spent some time just relaxing in their beautiful park and watching people. After our return trip on the ferry, we drove to some areas we hadn’t seen before. It was an enjoyable day.

During the week Elder Twede (from SLC) and Elder Erikkson (from Sweden) and serving in the Miratejo area came and helped us to get our computer printer to work. So on Saturday we took them to get a new shower hose for their apartment. Then later we drove to Caparica for their first baptism since the first part of June. Annica Rosa (21) was baptized. She has been attending for a while and is very nice. She was confirmed today in our Fast & Testimony meeting. Elder Henry was asked to teach the Gospel Essentials class until they find someone else. We have a great Sunday School teacher who is from Brazil, so he will have to miss her class now, but he will enjoy the challenge.

“Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen” Mosiah 5:15

Love and best wishes to our family and friends.