Francisco Serra

Another awesome experience to report. Seems like they just keep coming! A few days ago Larry was asked to interview a man for baptism. He had special permission because those that would normally have done the interview could not come to our area. The sisters had been teaching him the Gospel and we had seen him at church several times. His name is Francisco Serra. He is about the same age as we are. Larry had been sitting by him in Priesthood Meeting so they were somewhat acquainted already. During the interview, Francisco asked Larry if he would baptize him. What an honor! We certainly didn’t think we would have the opportunity to have this wonderful experience. When Francisco arrived at the chapel for his baptism he had on a suit jacket, a white shirt and a tie.  He looked so happy.   Larry had learned the baptism prayer in Portuguese and he did a great job!! Paula hasn’t seen him baptize anyone since Mike and that’s been quite a few years ago. We truly love this gentle, humble man and know that he will be an awesome member of the church and will help strengthen this branch. We felt so privileged to be a part of this wonderful event in his life. It is one we will never forget.

Simao, Sheila and President Ruberval, Francisco, Larry, Rosalina, Maria, Paula, Sister Nelson, Bruno

 

And today, just before we posted, we went to Francisco's elderly parents' home and had a nice visit with them as well.  The sisters have been there a couple of times.  It is hard to tell right now what their level of interest is, but they listened carefully and were very gracious.  His mom appears bed-ridden and his father just fell down some stairs and broke his arm.  We hope to be able to do some more visits to them along with Francisco.  Another opportunity to help!



Happy Halloween Everyone! Halloween over here isn’t celebrated over here in the same way it is at home. Our little Branch here in Beja worked really hard to have a party like they do in America.  They decorated everything and it turned out really great. Their “treat” table looked just like it would at home! Some of the members even dressed up. We dressed up as missionaries and we were pretty scary!! It was a fun time for all who came.

 

 

We also had a Branch service project this past week. We cleaned, trimmed, and weeded around the church and also in a large fruit orchard next to the church. The orchard is a part of the Church’s property. We actually ate several ripe oranges off of one of the trees. It was a beautiful and sunny day and just the right temperature to be working hard. Here are a few pics so that you will  believe that we really do work here on our mission!! Of course, like all church events, there was lunch afterward.

 

 

Hi everyone,

Special announcement for all of you. We have a new granddaughter!! That’s right. And because it’s so important and exciting for us, we wanted to share it with you on our blog.

Katherine, Jon’s wife, gave birth to a beautiful little girl on Monday, October 29^th, 2012. She was born by C-section and had to have oxygen for awhile but mom and baby are doing well now.. She was born at 1:30 pm and weighed 7 lbs. 8 oz. and is 20” long. We are so thrilled for them!!! And for us!  Her birth has been the highlight of the week!

Of course we were sad to miss this grand event but we were so lucky to see her on Skype  just a few hours after her birth. What a blessing that is.

 

 

Isn't she a doll!