Waller Family: Cape Verde Week 11

Bom dia

We held a District Training Meeting for the Priesthood leaders on Saturday. I gave a presentation on holding councils, and I used a power point presentation which simplified my poor Portuguese. The President of the District wanted everyone also to start a fast together, so they served lunch, it was really greasy, so I had a long fast.

We continue to have problems with getting meetings started on time, especially Sacrament meeting. I think they believe by start later they have less meeting time, because they always end on time.

Monday we went with President James Tarvares and distributed humanitarian new infant packets. There were about 20 ladies waiting for us at the clinic. Some had their new babies with them and others were in the last phase of their pregnancy. We asked President James about the high birth rate and he said the women are afraid to use any birth control measures. It seems there is a stigma about not having children, whether you are married or not. It is a definite matriarchal society, and I think women get pregnant so they will have someone to take care of them when they get older. The men just come and go out of their lives. The men do seem to help some with their mothers though. It is really difficult for the Elders to teach and have everyone ready for baptism; then they have to teach the law of chastity, where upon it all falls apart. Even though they have been living together for years there is this fear of marriage commitment.

Young girl at the clinic, snuggled up to Sister Waller

Sister Delgado returned from Portugal last week, where she had been for 6 weeks. Only 4 days after returning her father passed away. She has been very concerned about others knowing, so we have had to keep it a secret. This has made it difficult to give any comfort or compassionate service. She has decided to deal with on her own with no one else helping her. The President has made arrangements for her to return home for the funeral and to make final arrangements. She will be gone for about 5 days. We really mourn for her and the struggle she is having inside, but there is little we can do when she wants no one to assist her.

On preparation day the zone took a van to the beach. They had a good football game and enjoyed playing ‘capture the flag’. They also had some fun with the local sand crabs. The waves were breaking well and the tide was coming in, so occasionally the water came up onto the playing area. The Sisters were allowed to play as Quarterback and only the other Sister could rush. They had a good time!

Beach Sao Pedro

I am now preparing for a Branch Conference this weekend. I think I will have to speak twice, once on Sunday and then once in the priesthood training meeting. It does take sometime to prepare for these meetings. Especially when you have to first do it in English then translate it into Portuguese.

We received some new photos of Scott and his family from Alisha. For those interested in what the rest of the family is doing, check out their blog sites. In the right column of my blog the children are listed, just click on their name and you can see what they are up to.

Tchau for this week,
Bama & Bampa, Mom & Dad, E/S Waller