Cape Verde Week 4

Path down the Mountain on Santo Antao!

Well our week has been a long one. We lost the internet last Sunday and it looks like it will be out for at least another couple of weeks. We have had a few exciting things happen though this week. We went down and purchased a washing machine, so washing clothes now is a much easier task. After getting it install and finally getting the water supply to not leak we watched it go round and round (it is front loader); reminded us of Mollie Turner in our home ward and her new furnace. Aren’t new things just wonderful Mollie? We sure do appreciate a few nice things though.

I have had the opportunity to go with the Elders three times this week and do some discussions. It has been fun using my limited Portuguese. Most of the time I get ahead of myself and use the wrong word, but everyone seems pleased that I am trying.

Monday was transfer day and we said goodbye to a number of Elders; Wada, Masterson, Bartlett, and Day. We had a little problem with one of the Elders and so in mid week he was transferred to Praia and Elder Day returned. Also this week Sister Delgado left for home on emergency release. Her 58 y/o father is in critical condition following discovery of cancer and isn’t expected to live; her family consist of her and an 18 y/o brother, not a member; so our pray’s go with her and hopefully she will be returning in a couple of weeks.

On the trail Santo Antao

While walking this evening with the Elders they mentioned that they had witnessed a car accident this morning. They said the one driver had a funny way of saying “he had the right of way” he said “he (referring to the other driver) had the right to stop”.

Sister Waller started piano lessons this week with Eddie. Eddie is 16 y/o and has been playing the piano for about 1 year. His first teacher (Sister Lima) could not play but did know how to read music and notes. You should hear Eddie play, pretty much all the hymns. Although his fingering needs some work and his tempo, everything is fast. He is a natural and practices all the time. We hope to find another 3 or 4 students to start teaching.

We have learned that the transatlantic cable for internet was cut somehow and it will be at least 2 weeks before total repair, UGH! Sometimes we can get an email through late at night but at snails pace, dial up speed. Broadband is what we have to wait for. Today we did apartment inspections. Most were okay, some unsafe, no security, others needed cleaning severely. Some had cock roach problems etc. I have to keep reminding myself that these are 19 y/o young men. Almost all have their laundry done each week, but some how they forget to put their sheets, pillow cases and towels in be cleaned. I have seen some of the pillows, yuck, you won’t catch me putting my head on those pillows. The very first day, the first thing was a new pillow!

Bill, what is the Coast Guard doing in Cape Verde?

Today I went with the Elder’s Quorum President of Ramo 3 and visited 7 members and less actives. My feet are tired!! I was able to give a message in my broken Port-Englis-Creole, fun.

Well the internet seems to be working this evening so I will hurry and download this letter. Tchau
E/S Waller, Mom & Dad, Bama & Bampa