portugal experiences

A Land of Cobblestones.  Placed one at a time.  In the larger areas, the cobblestones form beautiful designs, but even on the common walkways and roads each stone must be positioned by hand.    The roads are strait and narrow, teaching us scripture as we go!  Matthew 7:14 We (the members and missionaries) have found over 90 member homes so far  (often visiting with neighbors or returning again  and again to find the information if they have moved or until we find someone at home) toward upgrading the records for this branch.  We have more to go as the branch is about 150 kilometers (over 90 miles) across,  but each recorded address within a 45 minute walk has been contacted. Each car is parked in front of a door.  Some roads are wide and easier to get through,  so we don't have to hurry and step up into a doorway to let cars pass by. At night the car lights make the smooth cobblestones shine at the crosswalks. We marvel at the amou...

 I am intrigued by the doors in Evora.  Every kind and color.  Sometimes people match their doors.  I sometimes think about what I want my door to look like if we build a home again. What color would I paint it to make people feel welcome.  I want the doorbell to sound like peace with a slight exclamation mark at the end. How will people know that I am home and what lantern design will light up the walk and make them happy they have come?  Fun things to think about: color, light, design.  but, mostly... I wonder about the door to my heart. Revelations 3:20  Behold, I stand at the door, and knock;  if any man hear my voice, and open the door,  I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 

One Sunday Morning our usual 40 minute walk to church seemed more like forever and 2 days in the rain as it slickened the cobblestones. Even the wind was whipping at my tired face and hurting feet (on purpose I surmised). We arrived a bit late and I added that on top of my encumbered thoughts and soaking wet hair (inspite of my new green unbrella).  AND THEN... I saw Sondra.  She came on cobblestones, through the same rain, the same wind and the same cold...with her prosthetic legs, her crutches, with her soaking wet hair... and her SMILE. Thank you Sondra for changing me. The last week has been crazy full of finding addresses and members.  We have had some good visits and we have had some visits.  I can't even imagine what trials people must go through in life to be unkind to people through a door.  But, I know that Covid has made alot of people fearful and I am sad that they live in such fear. We had a great meeting on Sunday after regular meetings...when Gran...

Part of our assignment here in Portugal is to be with the Young Adults (jovem adultos!) Our first activity was Saturday evening.  We bought a Disney code names game and made some games. We were hoping to have 6 come and were so happy to have 8! (2 guests). We're not sure who had more fun...the youth or us!?  Games, lots of Pizza, Ping Pong, and a Book of Mormon video, etc, made for a good time.  They were excited to be together and we received a thank you text from Djodjo and another from Djeison during our walk back home that night, plus, Santhosh asked if he could watch the rest of the Book of Mormon videos and wanted the link!  The videos are nice for all of us to watch. Our one young sister, Nadia, in the Evora branch will be back from the Christmas break for university classes this week.  She may bring some of her friends to join us next activity.  I am way out-numbered!  (I found marshmellows here, so we had actual rice krispie treats...that was ...

Yesterday, January 9th, 2022, was another special day for our family.  Aubrey and Samuel gave their Missionary Farewells.  Aubrey has been called to go to the San Antonio, Texas Mission.   Samuel has been called to serve in The Dominican Republic West Mission.  Another blessing of the internet as Aubrey's talk was given in Idaho and Samuel's talk was given in California and we could listen to both within the same few hours.  They follow Jonathan who served in Florida, Nathaniel who served in Alabama, Caitlyn who served in Norway, and Hailey K who served in Brasil.  We pray for them and are so grateful for the things we learn from them as we watch their desire to serve others.  Love you!!!  

Meet Maria Isabel Ribeiro.  We finally found her.  She is so delightful. Using her walking sticks to go back into her home, she brought out her well worn scriptures and her many hand-written notes. Due to covid and her age, she has been studying on her own and her eyes lit up to see our missionary badges!  We met Sonia and her adorable son.  She lives about an hour away by car in Portalegre. She was so happy to know that she can meet on zoom with the branch here each week.  I learn so much from these faithful people. ,  We met Maria Amelia Catarro on our 5th try at finding her home. Due to an accident, she cannot hear and so the timing was just right as she was outside hanging clothes and saw us. She was so happy to see members of her branch.  It is difficult for the older people to walk the long cobblestone walk into the city to church. Everyone lights up when they feel loved! What another wonderful surprise to see Jason again!  He and Djodjo are...

December 28.2021 was a very special day in our Family.  We experienced the first marriage of a Grandchild!  Caitlyn was married to Richard in The Pocatello, Idaho Temple.  We arranged to be working in our apt. with the branch lists on her special day.  After a meeting at the church, we could pin members addresses on google maps and still watch videos that our family sent through the day.  These are the days that I swallow a few tears for missing family. Of course!  I am a grandma and that's what grandmas do. At the same time, we know that there are families all over the world that do not even know about the significance of being married in a Temple of God.  Both Richard and Caitlyn have served missions and they understand why we are here.  Caitlyn just glows, We are so thankful for technology and for family and for forever!!!