The Weeks unfold so quickly...

We have come to know two meanings for the words: Straight and Narrow!  On a trip to deliver Books of Mormon to Media referrals...(which happen once or twice a month with elders and on each trip for us to different locations on the way to and from our two branches); we came upon a very narrow road.  Some of the neighbors referreed from their open windows as we made what Grandpa calls the '28 point turn!  Ha!  Four neighbors came from their homes, some shaking their heads and some willing to tell us how difficult the turns are in their area, and one young man who stayed with us for the two worst turns.  (Our elders were helping us be amazed!) We made it!

We have grown to love The Beja Branch in just the 2 months that we have been working there as well as The Evora Branch where we have been for six months already!  Jose Fortes received a calling as a leader for the young adults yesterday.  He is from Cabo Verde.  Such a good young man. 

Teresa Mata cannot come to church often as her husband is bed-ridden, but she is so gracious when we visit her.  The Relief Society has a What's app group and Teresa loves to comment on the group chat. She misses her R.S. sisters so much but still tries to encourage and lift from her cell phone.

Update:  Arlindo (in the yellow shirt, next to Vadinho) came to church again yesterday!  His eyes are better he says (from last week's post.)  We were in Beja, but on our way home, we called to see how the Evora branch meeting went.  38 people attended in Evora yesterday with 7 online.   41 attended in Beja.  Grandpa had worked to get the right cords and plug-ins so the music could be in the sound system without coming up to the stand or moving the microphones to the phones.  Nice!  Much more reverent to just stay seated and push a button on a phone for the hymn music to begin.  He is always thinking of ways to help the leaders in the branches.  We love both Branch Presidents.  They are as different as can be and each is our favorite!  

Yesterday was Mother's Day in Portugal and we loved listening to the children sing in both congregations.  This is the Beja Primary after the Sunday School lesson.  We attended Evora online and the children of President Samuel sang.  

We were so excited that this sweet family came to the meetings!  The Beja Elders, Elders Leonardo and Perkins are teaching them.  They also came for a branch activity Bake-off contest this past Wednesday where we finally got to meet them. Last night as I was checking on a family by internet, Karyne's name popped up and what a surprise that she wanted to 'friend' me on facebook.  Sweet!  

A family that Grandpa and I have been teaching came yesterday as well.  What Joy!  And they enjoyed  it.  The father, Ricardo, texted that we could go visit Tuesday night at 7 pm, since he has a class on Monday and had to postpone our regular Family night in their home in Beja.  Nothing is better than people actually reaching out or answering or arranging for our visit.  Such a nice day!

Avelina's Mother and Sister came with her as well yesterday!  I love this vivacious young woman.  

(She is holding her nephew and yes...she is a marvel.)

We arrived early in Beja yesterday to try to get the music sound system in before the meeting.  Every time we go a bit early we always encounter Simao Silva Furtado.  He comes every Sunday wearing his smile and best clothes.  He takes such care to put the hymn numbers up one by one and as he does he hums or sings the hymn and usually he will stand in the near empty early morning chapel as if leading the whole congregation which is Avalina's calling. It just makes me happy to see his great joy in the preparation of Hymns. Each calling is so important.  Kinda makes you want to sing...

(even in my mostly off-tune case!)    

Have a great Week!  Love you all so much!