What a great week to celebrate being Thankful again! We had some good visits this week, sprinkled with activities, lessons, and luncheons. Mostly, we are so happy for Mariah who was baptized Saturday She just glowed. That night, Laura, (Mariah's mother) sent a text sharing her Joy and 'contente' because her prayers of many years had been answered. She is a such kind and hard working Mother as she prays & pleads for every good thing for her child. Mothers' hearts are like that. Mariah's stepfather Paulo, came from work to show his support and love, even though he had to hurry right back. Good dads' are like that. Laura and Paulo are so happy to come to back to church again. It had been awhile. We hope that they will prepare to go to the Temple together in the near future. So happy for this family!
The faith and smiles of many, even of those bedridden and lonesome take a special, quiet place in our hearts. The exhuberance and hope of youth make us all happy to learn together.
Tanya (in blue) and Dulce gave their very first talks in Ribeira Grande yesterday! Dulce has blossomed since her baptism and since receiving her calling as a counselor in the Young Womens' program. However, giving a first talk in church took alot of courage for each of them. Tanya (age 41 was baptized when she was 9 years old), while we were visiting with her during the week she again mentioned her anxiety and asked me to come stand by her if she couldn't do it alone. She did a great job and only needed me to stand by her for the 2nd small page of her notes. It was sweet and significent for all of us as they shared their talks and testimonies.
just a little aside: I am thankful for so many things...but a small thing to some and a grand thing to me is that we have served our missions in countries where most people love and feel honored to have their photos taken and I love to take photos! We meet and connect with people and I can share their photos with them. Photos remind all of us of happy and special times and invite others to join in.
There are so many ways to teach the law of tithing. All you need is ten of something!
So, when we visited with Carlos this week, he surprised me and had the ingredients all set out for the recipe he had asked for a few weeks back after a church activity! He really likes the no-bake cookies, (not pictured above, but quick and yummy!) so I made a batch as Grandpa, Carlos, Elders Burnham and Brolim began working in family search together. At the conclusion, of their reading, I asked if we could read in Malachi and visit a bit about tithing. Afterall, he is preparing to attend the Temple soon, and afterall, here was a great lesson right in front of us-and with a bit of modification-exactly 30 cookies! I asked Carlos if he would share 3 cookies back. (OF COURSE and with gladness...)
And the counter was still full!
Make a great week! We Love you!
