Arts and Hearts...



Dr. Janeiro (Director of the Archives here in Evora) invited us to go to The Public Library for a personal tour of the artwork his wife has done in the children's section. He set a time for us and when we arrived, he was also there.   It was wonderful!  You may love to go to her facebook page and read about this exhibit:  Ana Rita Janeiro (she speaks English and would love to have you leave a message!)


We had a great zone conference in Lisbon!  President and Sister Barcellos are so easy to be entreated, very dynamic and inspired, and we love learning from them.




Mia sat by me in Relief Society in Beja.  She is so sweet and texts me now and is taking lessons there.  Santosh came all smiles to our Young Adult Activity.  He has a new job and so now he can attend Church on Sundays.  We are so happy for him.  His growing up in India story and ending up here in Evora is amazing.  There are so many good, hard-working, kind, patient, and wise survivors in this wonderful world!
I asked Maria if she wanted to come make some cookies while Grandpa was working on records and we had a nice time decorating the butterflies and hearts.  
We came home late from a Beja Family Home Evening visit and ...as we ascended the stairwell...tired and hungry we were greeted by this heart attack on our door in honor of my Birthday!  It was such a surprise.  Thank you to our dear friends, Rusty and Robin Shafer (Almond growers here from California)  We sure love them!  As Elder's quorum President and Relief Society President (without speaking Portuguese, but learning), they speak the language of love and it touches everyone in the branch.  They are such a blessing here.

  While in the Beja square visiting with people, we met a bright young many who had just been able to escape from Ukraine.  He showed us the money he had in his wallet from Ukraine and told us of the sounds they heard, the experiences, and the hardships of leaving the country.  We have many reasons to rejoice and many reasons to pray for everyone.on both sides of every war.


More visits with members and getting to know their families in Beja. 
And more trying to find addresses so no one feels left alone. 


I have never met anyone as intent on making everyday count as your Grandpa.  I secretly call him my Samuel Smith as he is such a dedicated missionary.  My love and admiration and thankfulness grow as I try to keep up with this wonderful man.  We miss you all and hope your week is amazing and full of everything that matters, (plus an ice cream cone on top!)  Love!

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