What a Blessed Week!
This past week has been amazing and full of every emotion. Monday we returned home from The Dedication of the Cape Verde Temple. On Tuesday our Ashley had surgery and our hearts were right there with her. She is such a blessing and has tried to assure us how good she is doing even when she was in so much pain. (Such faith, encouragement, and love from her this week, when normally that is our part to do for her). We are thankful for family who have helped her all week.
We sent the 'First Vision' Video to the taxi driver in Cape Verde as he had texted us on Messenger.
The first photo here was taken by Rodrigo but it explains the happiness of Ricardo and Sheila as they were married on Wednesday. We went to the city building for their wedding and also to their reception that evening at the restaurant where Sheila works. Inbetween the wedding and the reception, we spent the day finding people who may be interested in the wonderful message of the Plan of Happiness and the Restored Gospel. We met Nuno who actually caught up with us as we walked in the city square. He is from Angola and arrived in Beja just 2 weeks ago. He explained to us that he was looking for a job. (As we visited, he showed us his resume...and it made me smile). Sheila (above) who is trying to attend church on Sundays works at a restaurant and it is difficult to take time off on the busy Sundays of the Summer. Nuno was happy that I wanted to take a photo of his resume. By Saturday...Nuno had a job at the resturant where Sheila works (with more help there, we hope Sheila can accompany Ricardo to church more often...as he will be baptized this Wednesday. Note: (Also, this afternoon, the young Beja missionaries will visit with Nuno about The Gospel of Jesus Christ).
On a mission, and in our everyday lives, it is so clear to see the little puzzle pieces or tender mercies that come together. We often say that Heaven's help is what makes Missionary Work...Work! All we have to do is tie our shoelaces and get there to witness His love as we try to share it...
On our way home that night, we received the phone call from Aunt Cynthia who told us that Grandpa's sister, Barbara, had passed away on her Birthday that very morning. She is free from the pain of many years from a stomach disease, and our hearts again reach out to our family this week...and our prayers of Thanks for Heavenly Father's Plan and our Savior's Atonement become so fervent. We love you.
Saturday night, we were invited by Dr. Jorge Janeiro's family to have an official 'Alentejo Dinner'.
(He is the director of the Evora Archives here). Oh My! Ana had been working all day to make such a beautiful feast. Complete with lights, delicious food, their beautiful family, and their kindness. We visited long into the evening...Dr. Jorge and Grandpa about Family History...and Ana and I about Art and Family.
We lost track of time, and when we left in the darkness, they stood at the doorway...just like family.
Sunday Morning came early, and when arrived we learned that Inacia did not bring a lesson for Relief Society. She brought us a baggie with fresh eggs. Such a sweet sister. (Just happened to have some illustrations in the car and a conference talk in Portugues, so together we gave the lesson and she was fabulous. Ana even gave the closing prayer. Wonderful!
Make a Wonderful Week! Happy Birthday to Amy today and Ashley Yesterday! How thankful we are that Heavenly Father blessed us forever when He sent you to our home. Love!
