JUNE 29, 2023 We had a Wonderful 50th Anniversary Party with our Branch here in Sao Miguel. They decorated using photos they must have taken from my facebook page. So sweet! And Grandpa made a video to surprise me! It was about our 50 years of marriage and our family and missions; it made me wipe away happy tears. We showed a short video about Temples and how important they are so that Families can be together forever. Elder and Sister Soares takes a tour of the Rio de Janeiro Temple in the video. We had prepared pictures of Jesus in 5' by 7" frames and after we explained how our Savior helps us in our marriage and family...we had one from each family come up front and explain how they have felt the Savior's love in their lives. Each would take another picture to give to another family and so on... it was a beautiful outpouring of love for the blessings that are possible through Jesus Christ. After the short program, we had a meal, a...
We love you and thank you for the photos, videos, and visits this week during our family reunion. Although never a secret since your first baby breath against my cheek, but our hearts find that the love we have for each of you continues to grow and again, we find our greatest joy and treasure in family. Thank you for being Wonderful! We missed those who could not attend this time, but so glad for those who could... and thankful for the technology that makes so very far away seem a tiny bit closer. Because we love the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we want to tell the whole world about Heavenly Father's Plan for Families! We spent time at the Archives in Moura this week trying to find ancestor information for a family in Evora. Our friend, Paula, helped me with my Relief Society lesson by printing copies of Elder Uchtdorf's conference talk for the sisters. She came to church with us also; it was so nice to have her there. Julia Abreu lives n...
Five days ago we were transferred to São Miguel nos Açores (When we looked up 'Island of Sao Miguel in the Azores' on the internet, Grandpa eyes smiled. "The whole island is full of your favorite flowers!" he said.) We are amazed at the abundant color, sun, and beautiful clouds on this Island. I feel like we live in a postcard with such personal Heavenly hugs as the Hydrangea bouquets encouraging us every step. President Resendes of the Sao Miguel Branch is an avid genealogist by hobby and works in the Dairy business, especially in the production of cheese by profession. He lit up when Grandpa asked a question about his ancestors and immediately had us follow him upstairs to the church family history room. It is incredible to know about the intelligent and diligent record keeping in the azores. We met some wonderful leaders in the Azores our first Sunday. Next to our Branch President Resendes and Grandpa are (the District) Pre...