Waller Family: Cape Verde week 53

Bom dia;

Tudo Bem? We are doing much better this week. Sharon has gotten better the last few days and so we have been a little more active. She suffered with stomach problems for a week or so and we had to change her diet to keep from irritating the stomach. Now she seems to be on the mend. During this week we stayed in most of the time as she didn’t feel up to going out. So I used the opportunity to work on my Temple Preparation Class materials. Also I have to prepare for another presentation in the next couple of weeks. So it was a good time to catch up on some computer work. Plus I was able to get my taxes done and submitted, whew….!

We are preparing for District Conference in 2 weeks. We will have to hold 2 sessions; one here in Sao Filipe and then one in Cova Figueira. Here we have been holding choir practice and they have chosen to sing “Oh My Father”. Since they generally sing without a piano they have learned the songs incorrectly. It is a real problem getting them to sing it correctly. In Mindelo we had a more organized group and they could sing in parts, here we will be lucky to get the melody correct. But they have enthusiasm and as they get more comfortable with the melody the volume goes up.

I had the opportunity to visit a return missionary this week with the Elders. He has been home for over a year and I would say he is fading fast. He is concerned over not having a job and life being hard. I asked if he was saying his prayers (no), reading his scriptures (no), working in the church (no). I told it is hard for the Lord to bless your life when you fail to be obedient and follow his commandments. He wasn’t real happy about the visit, but was in church today and talked with me after church for a few minutes. He has asked the Elders not to come visiting; I am sure he feels guilty. I am planning on working with the Branch President and see if he and I can be made HT partners, maybe a slow infusion will help.

Elders Day & De Cruz

We were in the chapel today after the meeting talking and the Aaronic Priesthood boys were standing around. Finally I said maybe we should leave the chapel so they can clear the sacrament table. So we left and they closed the door. Sharon said they probably wanted to eat the remaining bread, and sure enough they came out chewing!

Sister Skinn is dong well and her Portuguese continues to improve. It won’t be long before she has left us in the dust and is translating for us. She gets right in with the youth and helps out. Sister Duarte is a good trainer for her.

Sister Skinn & Duarte

Elder DeCruz asked me to give a part in District meeting. He wanted me to talk about some of the attributes of Christ. So I chose “Humility” and used an object lesson. I gave each a color pencil and sharpener; and referenced the need to remove the pride in our lives to get to the humble center. The center (lead of a pencil) can then be a tool in the Lord’s hands. It went over well, but Sharon’s cookies were a bigger hit. When they came out Sister Duarte had the biggest smile.

Scott and Becca’s new baby has been named “Mirra Connie”, she is holding her own. It is amazing what modern medicine can do to help the babies who were just so excited to come to earth they couldn’t wait.