Weaving our way in and out of the narrow roads and mazes of this beautiful place and wonderful people, driving from Ponta delgada to Ribeira Grande, Rabo de Peixe, Santana, or Pico de Pedra, etc. etc. and back home again...give us time to reflect on the many blessings that we witness in the lives of those whose faith sustains and honors them. We are learning so much as we come and go.
The Branch Presidency enjoying refreshments right before The Leadership Counsel Meeting
We were invited to go to the weekly fair (like a farmer's market) by some of the sisters in the Ponta Delgada Branch and we keep thinking we will and then an appointment or visit takes precidence. We were happy to go finally this past Thursday. It was so fun to see Maria da Paz and Augusta selling their baked goods and Rogeria selling her beautiful crochet items.
Then we got thinking that maybe we could open a Family History Information booth! The people are already gathered in Santana buying food, handmade items, and animals, so why not try it! Grandpa found the fair organizer and got the information. The man was kind about the idea and showed where we can get electricity etc. We stopped at the printer on the way home and got information on making a large sign. Remember the wonderful sign that Bruce helped us with for Roots Tech in 2020? It may not be quite that professional...but we'll see what we can do.
Dulce turned 20 years old Saturday. She sent out invitations, made her cake, large tarts, treats, and she decorated for her beautiful event. A sweet tradition that I really like here is the same for Birthdays and Wedding Receptions: When the person/s honored cut/s the cake, they then serve each of their guests and take a photo with each.
Transfers are bittersweet...it is hard to see the young elders go and wonderful to meet the new elders that we get to work with. Our new missionaries this transfer are: Elder Lopes (Brasil) and Elder Caetano (America). Elder Lopes just began his mission. I asked what his favorite food is and so we had Chicken Strogonoff over rice. We know Elder Caetano from working with him in Evora. Great Group!
Day to day, house to house, trying to find members and meeting and inviting along the way. We hear that life is 'muito complicada' (very complicated) more than any other excuse for why people don't have time to attend church or read the scriptures. If life gets too complicated to accomplish the reason for life...then we all need to simplify our decisions and priorities. Life is difficult (the purpose of the testing and choosing) and gets even more complicated when we ignore the Gospel plan. Faith and obedience puts Heavenly Father in charge (and His plans work much better and can simplify ours)!
It was so fun to meet with The Ponta Delgada Young Women's Presidency at the beautiful ranch home of Donaria. Even with the language and accents, we understood each other and we are all excited to know that we will be taking the youth to the Lisbon Temple in 2023! Now, I need to get all the names, identifications cards for the flight, photos, and the parent permission papers signed for the trip!
Lots going on every day, and the time is flying by with so much we hope to do. We Love you and Thank you for your love which makes our time here even more special. We miss you and hope for you a great week! December already!!! Ahhhhh give each other hugs for us as you turn on the Christmas Tree Lights. Next year, we will make Gingerbread men together again!
