From Portugal With Love: August 11, 2013

It was another very quiet week at the office as some days there were only three or four of us working. But we were able to accomplish quite a few good contacts. Our high-priority list is a little longer this month, so that is a good thing. We have found that quite often if we send a text or leave a message when we make a phone call, the participants will call back and need help with making a payment on their loan or have some other concern for us to resolve.

This week we will start on our apartment inspections as we do them every three months. I guess I need to get busy making cookies. The missionaries enjoy receiving a treat. I suppose it helps them to be a little happier about our visit to check up on their housekeeping skills.

Last week was transfer week, so we have two new missionaries serving in our ward. One of each set stayed. We lost our wonderful pianist, Elder Oliveira, a great Elder who always had a great big smile. Today we were fortunate because Jer Lima was there visiting his parents. He and Elder Oliveira both have exceptional talent on the piano; they are self-taught and play with great ease and extra little flourishes (I don’t know if that is the correct word). I love to listen to them play. I think when you don’t have a pianist for a time, you appreciate it much more when you do, especially when they play so well.

We had to say “Tchau” to several wonderful members of our ward today. Tabitha, our Young Women’s President, and her two sons are headed for Utah. She will marry a fellow from Vernal and live there. Her roommate and good friend, Maria, is also going to Utah for the wedding and then will be returning to her home country of Brazil. She has been Tabitha’s assistant with the Young Women and also an outstanding Gospel Doctrine teacher. It is very sad to see them leave.

Elder Henry gave another exceptional talk in Sacrament Meeting today. He talked about the Law of Tithes and Offerings and how they have blessed our lives. He also mentioned the importance of work, of being careful with the money we have at our disposal, and the importance of saving a little each month. We can truly testify that the windows of heaven have showered blessings upon us for obeying this law. Our Father in Heaven has blessed us with so much, it is a small amount to give in return.

Our weather finally turned warm again for the first time since early in July. We are hoping it is a short time until our more agreeable temperatures return. It has actually been hotter here this week than in Corning, but It looks like that will change in the middle of the week. We hope so.

Last Sunday was Erick and Camille’s anniversary and today is Russ and Laura’s. We send both couples our love and best wishes.