Well another week has slipped quickly by here in Mindelo. We had an extremely busy weekend; district and zone conference. We had a visit authority, Elder & Sister Vinas, of the Area Presidency. They were a delightful couple and we enjoyed hearing them speak. Elder Vinas spoke in broke Portuguese and Spanish, so it was a little difficult to understand at times. On Sunday he used an interpreter, who translated everything into Portuguese. Oh well we got the jest of things, keep the commandments!!! We had a nice dinner on Sunday with the Vinas’ and Tolman’s. They sure liked Sharon’s chocolate cake. This is a recipe from Elder Osborne, who served with us in Malaysia. (Elder Osborne, Sister Vinas asked for your recipe and she lives in England, so your recipe is literally going around the world). Everyone loves it! In zone Conference Elder Vinas spoke in English, we really enjoyed his remarks.
E/S Waller, Pres. & Sister Vinas, Pres. & Sister Tolman
Sister Vinas was really tired and to add to that, the airlines had lost their luggage and they were without many of the normal things. She had no make up and didn’t have a change of clothing. So she had to wear the same outfit all weekend. She was a good sport about it though, but decided next trip to care a big carry on bag, with a change of clothing.
The Zone Conference centered around, ”Preach My Gospel”, and striving to be more efficient in our planning meetings; the need to set goals. I gave a short training on D& C 88:118 about a House of Order. Hopefully the missionaries will put their apartments in order. I also had to speak in the Saturday evening session; I talked on being obedient. I had worked all week on the talk in Portuguese, the missionaries translated the talk for me, and Sharon helped me with the pronunciation. Everyone seemed to understand what I said.
Zone Conference May 2007 Mindelo Pres. & Sister Vinas
For District conference the choir has been practicing every Sunday evening; they did a wonderful job. The sisters all wore the same outfit. Sharon was given her outfit and she kind of raised an eyebrow, thinking “I am going to wear this”? But with a little ironing, and wearing a white top under, the way to big top provided, she looked nice. Okay she felt like a big blue and white cow!!!! All the cows sang really nice.
We have started Portuguese lesson 3 times a week, with two Elders. Elder Friaca and Bueno, both are native speaking Brazilians, from America, so during their time allocated for language study they offered to teach us. We will have to see how well we progress. Sharon will be much better at the lessons than I, I am afraid.
Sharon has 3 piano students; Eddie is very accomplished (self taught) and can play all the hymns well; Aldair can play but has a real fingering problem, he needs some more confidence and hymn practice; then there is Nelida, a beginner. We hope to get another 3 youth, for lessons this month. Sharon is also going to teach me chorister lessons, so I can teach that course. She feels my language skills would make it easier for me to teach.
We have made a number of visits to members and investigators homes this week. I was able to assist in teaching one man part of a principle. Tonight we are off with the Elders to teach 3 less actives and then on Saturday we have a FHE with the Branch President of the 4th Branch. Last Sunday evening they held a Reunion for all the returned missionaries in Cape Verde, here on Sao Vicente. There were about 15 returned missionaries with about that many more who didn’t attend. Many brought their families and we had a rather lengthy meeting.
Preparation day we climbed, with the zone, a hill that over looks the city. It wasn’t too bad and the view was good. The wind was sure blowing up on top and we could see why we get so much dust. The elders had fun on a sand dune doing back flips, I was a little concerned but they are just 19 and the sand was soft. No one was injured!
Zone Activity May 2007, everyone made it to the top
Elder Friaca doing a forward flip, he landed well 9.3 for form
Well that is about all the news for this week. We hope Rhonni, in Sri Lanka, has had her baby by now, she is getting so large. We are so grateful to the Later’s for keeping us posted. Our nephew just received a mission call to serve in the Geneva Swiss Mission, so E/S Wirthlin you have Cameron Waller coming your way, enters the MTC in August. He will be a great missionary, really has a strong testimony and understanding of the Gospel. Wish he was coming here! Mike hope you enjoy your week home with family; Mom take care and enjoy the visit. Hope everyone is well and behaving themselves.
Love to all,
E/S Waller. Mom & Dad, Bama & Bampa
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