Waller Family: Cape Verde Week 71

Boa tarde,

Well we end an eventful week, some ups some downs. We started with downers as Sister Waller was sick the first few days of the week. That always puts a damper on things. Our FHE fell through this week. Many of the people in town have farm plots up in the hills. So when the rain comes they head to the hill to weed and plant their corn, beans and other vegetables. So many people are out of town all week; I suppose they camp out up the hills to save on travel expenses.

We did hold a FHE with Maria Amado and her very extended family. We had 25 people in attendance; 3 boys the rest girls. Most of the girls were from 13-8 yrs old. Sister Silveira gave a very good lesson on Faith using the Story of Jesus Walking on the water. We enjoyed popcorn refreshments and some very nasty tasting drink. It got rather hot in the 8’x 8’ room with all those bodies but we survived.

Hey we actually got rain this week. On Wednesday (P-day) we had a down pour that lasted about 20 minutes. It came down really good and we had a large puddle in front of our apartment. The hills are starting to turn green!! We could sing “The Hills Are Alive” they are turning green.

Elders Ray, Tuttle and Fernandez not use to rain fall in Cape Verde

We visited with Gaita and her family and I gave a lesson on keeping the commandments, and receiving blessings. We then enjoyed hot rolls Sister Waller had made for the meeting. Gaita had given Sister Waller some marmalade when she went VT, but sister Waller told her it would be much better with hot bread, so the rolls on the next visit. It was a nice meeting.

We continue to work with the youth on dancing; some have dropped out and we are down to about 15 regulars at Fonte Alexio Branch and 8 at the Sao Filipe Branch. They definitely have their favor dances; Virginia Reel, Achy Breaky Heart, Macarena and Love Potion #9. They aren’t real keen on the waltz and Cha Cha, we keep working on them. This week it is the Electric Slide!!

The macarena, fun fun fun!
We have hit some road bumps in the mission as far as travel. The Fogo airport is now closed and all contact with the main island is by boat; that runs twice a week (maybe). I was talking with President Neves this evening and he is now unable to get to Mindelo by plane as everyone is going their for the Baia Celebration. When people go they go for a month, so the planes are all booked up. So we definitely will be taking the boat to Praia in 3 weeks. If you could see the boats you would not be to thrilled with that idea either.

We heard tonight that Sister Mack has had to return to Portugal for medical care. We are sorry to lose her. We are now down to just 8 Sister missionaries. We have also had a bad run of illness in the mission with stomach flu problems and Elder Alexander suffered another bout of Kidney stones; we hope to get him through the next couple of months without further problems. Sister Skinn was over yesterday, having a little down day; she said she was visually constipated. HMMM I will need to think about that for awhile. Her spirits seemed to be up today, though. Also Alberto suffered a fall and thinks he broke his ankle. We will find out tomorrow and hope it isn’t real serious as that will delay their planned trip to the temple in Recife.

Now it is the end of the week and I am coming down with a sinus infections! Oh well, we keep trucking on and the time keeps winding down. Thanks for all your support and emails.