Yes, I did eat it all!

Soares Family 3 months after batism.  You would not believe the change!  João is an Elder today.  They are so dedicated and so happy.  They love the changes in their lives ... little things like family prayer and scripture study and their daughter praying before taking a test.  They are absolutely gobbling up every bit of gospel knowledge they can get.  They are preparing for the temple next year in the Spring.  It has been so much fun teaching them.  We have a "family" evening with them every week or two.  It has been one of the great joys of our mission to work with new members.

João Soares and Paulo Rocha both received the Melchizedek Priesthood today.  Paulo and hs wife Cândida have been equally fun to teach.  Here they are with us outside of the chapel in Santarém.

 

 

Part of President Ventura Carvalho´s cactus garden.

Not too sure if missionariess can wear hats!  We were on the beach of a river preparing for a baptism.  The sun was beating down and it was about 108 degrees.  We kind of wanted to get into the baptismal "font" and help with the baptisms it was so warm.

Husband and wife fom Portalegre both got baptized today.  This is in the river in Abrantes.  It was a very spiritual and touching baptism.  Portalegre is still a group with no Melchizedek Priesthood yet.  Miguel will be the first .... there was one other, but he moved to Lisbon.  This couple have two children and one on the way.  We hope for another great family to bless the church.

 

~

More baptisms!  The branch in Abrantes is growing.  The Branch President is the one on the right.  He is responsible for bringing in a lot of the new members.  President Viera.

 

Another of our favorite couples here in Santarém.  The Barata family is on the bus headed for the temple in Madrid.  It is about an 8 hour bus ride.  He was baptized a year ago and she has been a member for 16 years.  He is in the Branch Presidency.  They will be sealed together with their two of their children for eternity in the temple tomorrow.  They are so happy.  We are their home teachers.  Those of you that heard my cerejas and cervejas story ... this is the family I told that to.  They still smile about it!  And so do we.

The sisters stole our innflatable couch/bed.  We will get it back just in case our grandkids need a place to sleep when they come visit us.  Oh the fun we have over here!

We broke the Santarém District General Priesthood attendance record.  46!  It isn´t easy.  Many have to travel for 45 minutes to an hour and a half.  We had 4 new Melchizedek Priesthood brethren sustained today.  The district is working on at least another 8 for the next quarterly conference.

I know, my tag is on crooked.

Paula couldn´t quite handle the sushi, but she had some other yummy Japanese dishes.  This was in Costa de Caparica one day when we had to travel to do some interviews.  Sometimes you just have to stop and eat and enjoy the tourist áreas.  We are just down the street from the ocean.  We were going to go surfing, but I left my swimming suit home and Paula doesn´t like to be seen in her new bikini!

No comment.  My kids know what I am talking about!

 

I just could not leave out Elder Carvalho and Elder Costa.  They are some of our best missionaries and are responsible for the growth of our new group in Peniche.  They are both from Brazil.  They enjoy practicing their English on us, especially on Paula.  They are happy and upbeat and great exemples of hard-working missionaries.  We love them.  This is the new sign that will go on the building.  Peniche is part of the Caldas da Rainha Branch where President Christope presides.