Island of Blue Hydrangeas!



Five days ago we were transferred to São Miguel nos Açores (When we looked up 'Island of Sao Miguel in the Azores' on the internet, Grandpa eyes smiled. "The whole island is full of your favorite flowers!" he said.)  We are amazed at the abundant color, sun, and beautiful clouds on this Island.  I feel like we live in a postcard with such personal Heavenly hugs as the Hydrangea bouquets encouraging us every step.    

 President Resendes of the Sao Miguel Branch is an avid genealogist by hobby and works in the Dairy business, especially in the production of cheese by profession.  He lit up when Grandpa asked a question about his ancestors and immediately had us follow him upstairs to the church family history room.  It is incredible to know about the intelligent and diligent record keeping in the azores.  


We met some wonderful leaders in the Azores our first Sunday. Next to our Branch President Resendes and Grandpa are (the District) President Alves, {who lives on the island of Terceira) and his counselor Pres. Pinto who lives in this branch.  They gave inspiring talks.  Such a good spirit in the meeting.  We were asked to give our testimonies as a welcome and assigned to give talks next Sunday.  


Our home has big windows in the living room!  We live on the 2nd floor to the left.  The young elders here are great and easy to be entreated.  The fun and different personalities make our day.  


Dolce was baptized two months ago and had some questions about the Spirit World.  Her family is not supportive of her decision.  She was very shy and only answered quietly for the first 20 or so minutes. The elders pulled out some illustrations that she had remembered and we visited about helping those in the Spirit world.  She told us that her aunt had died of cancer at age 33 and at once, she pulled out a small handwritten list of family names that she wanted to take to the Temple.  We were all amazed at the change in her countenance!  Grandpa helped her install family search on her phone and for the first time during the visit, we saw her beautiful smile as she looked up.  The young elders were so kind as they explained that they would fast with her to help her with her goal.


Kayla has chosen to be baptized. The elders asked if we wanted to meet her since we were in the neighborhood.  Every other Sunday we will also attend this other part of our branch in the evening in Ribero Grande since many members do not have cars to attend in Sao Miguel in the mornings. What a fun visit!  I wondered if Kayla had a favorite hymn for her baptism.  She said couldn't think of a favorite.  So I asked if her daughter does...
"Oh yes," she said.  "She likes the song: 'I am a child of God'. "
That's a perfect song for a baptism!


Sister Barcellos invited us to go see 'Sete Cidades' while the flowers are still in bright bloom.  
What a marvelous morning!


We are 800 miles from Portugal in the Atlantic Ocean,  So excited to learn from the people here and so very thankful that Heavenly Father knows where we are and why.  We need His help everyday...because it is still earthlife...even in this Paradise.

  School is starting there.  So exciting! New pens, pencils, crayons, and clean paper to write on!  
New beginnings for all of us. Please give each other hugs and high fives,  

We Love You and Pray for You every day!

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