What a great Surprise that Raphael e Mainia reached out to us again. It was so fun to learn that they have found work in Evora and they think they will sign a contract on a house just outside of the city this week. They came to our home and told us of the blessings they have received. They thanked us for our prayers on their behalf and also asked for a blessing for Jullyah because she didn't sleep at all through the night. (Edilson whom we had also invited to come meet this Brasilian Family) helped give the blessing. He has just moved here from Brasil and is working hard to get settled so his family can move here as well.
We had a great week with another good visit with our friend,
Ricardo from Beja. We read alot of scriptures and his understanding of The Gospel is increasing. Tonight we will be in Beja with his family for a Family night and to visit about goals for their marriage.
Elder and Sister Seibold came from Lisbon yesterday to teach our little branch about Emergency Preparedness and Self Reliance. They gave a wonderful presentation. Being in the Europe area, with Ukraine refugees relocating to Portugal as well as many other countries, the words "72 hour backpacks and food storage" seem so current. Even so, Prophets have counseled us throughout our lives and have reminded us often of the scripture: "If ye are prepared ye shall not fear." It was so nice to have them come for lunch, the Shaffers came as well, and we all had a nice visit.
After lunch, we took some soup to Hercinio who has been sick for a few days. He wanted a blessing, as this coming week is so important in his medical training and he has his semester finals. After his blessing, a friend of his in the apartment, also wanted a blessing for his tests in economics, and right at the Amen, Kade jumped up to sit on the chair and asked for a blessing for her finals in Tourism as well.
It is so interesting to me, how Heavenly Father's spirit touches people even when they don't think they need it, but they feel it and want to be a part.
Lots of searching this week on the way to Beja.
Paula's brother and wife came from a city in North Portugal as it was their Mother's Birthday yesterday and Paula wanted us to meet them. After they went home, Paula came back up and visited with our lunch guests and brought fruit from her brother's farm. What a good day!
Missions are a roller-coaster ride...just like life. Some days are soooo long and if we let them, they could be very discouraging. We've learned alot about the European people. We have met some fabulous friends, and we have met some very angry people. Knowing that hurt people are the ones that hurt...helps. Knowing that each culture shares themselves differently helps. But, some days are difficult. For everyone. And that's why I think our Heavenly Parents put love-notes of color and beauty throughout our days, just to give us a smile and nod. All we have to do is look around.
It is really warm here, got up to 90 degrees this week...but someone had cranked up the air-conditioning at the church and some of us needed to sit on the floor in the kitchen in front of the space heater to compensate! Ha!
A definite highlight this week was the Young Adult Devotional from yesterday, given by Prophet and Sister Nelson. It really should be required listening for everyone from 2 weeks old to those who are 97 years old like the Prophet! So Sweet. So True. We loved every word. It is on the church website for another week. Please show it to your families if you haven't already seen it yet. You will love it.
We Love you and pray for you every day. Watch for the smiles and colors around you this week!
