Another Castle

Last week for P-day we took Sister Magosso and Sister Andrew (from Boise) to Silves Castle and to Sagres.  They have had little opportunity to see any of this beautiful country and it is always nice to see things through their eyes.  It was our 7th trip to Silves Castle and we have one more coming up when Elder and Sister Broaderick visit us for Thanksgiving.

We also had the opportunity to move some sisters and Elders.  There was an emergency transfer because of a stalking situation so we had to move the elders to the Sisters apartment and vice versa because the Elders had room for 2 extra beds. We now have four sisters in that apartment.
We're went to Lisbon on Thursday in preparation to get our residency renewed on Friday.  After that The Hoffmans took us to several wonderful spots to see the sights.  We also had a meeting with Sister Tavares to help plan the Festa de Natal or Christmas Party.  Last year she did it all by herself and didn't want to do that again so we convinced her that with 4 Casals (couples) it should be fairly easy if we simplified some.  So we planned it all out and made assignments.  My assignment:  2 cookies per missionary 148 of them.  I have been madly baking.  I decided on chocolate chip but ;instead of making individual cookies I made them into bar cookies.  I only had to bake 18 pans that way.  As of now I have 3 or 4 to go (I lost count) but that can wait until after Thanksgiving.  Also got some good news, President Tavares is sending us to the Azores Dec 10.  Going on Saturday and coming home on Tuesday.  We have to buy carry ones because you can't take big suitcases.  I understand it is beautiful and am so grateful we will get to see it after all.

The Light of Christ Shines On Us All

We have been very busy the last couple of weeks and that's the way we like it.  If Gale doesn't have enough to do he is like a caged tiger.  Every time a missionary calls with something broken I am so glad cause it makes Gale happy.

   Sunday was our District conference (like Stake Conference) Gale was released from the District Presidency which meant I got to bear my testimony, in Portuguese of course.  I think I surprised President and Sister Tavares,.  They were quite tickled.  I have given several talks and born my testimony many times but they have never been present. It has been so hard.  I think it is like trying to move a mountain with a teaspoon. I have to say in these winding up weeks I am not as driven to learn Portuguese as I was before but I continue to add vocabulary, why not.  I still have to give one more, off the cuff talk at my final zone meeting titled " My mission was a success because....."  I'm still trying to figure that one out.  We had many people in the Algarve District come up to us and tell us how much they loved us and how much they will miss us.  There were even some tears.  As I sat on the stand after my testimony I looked at all these lovely people just like I do back home in Shoshone and wish I could tell each one of them how much I love them for many different reasons. My Portuguese just isn't good enough for all the thoughts I need but they don't seem to care.  One lady said" What am I going to do without you telling your husband how beautiful I am" There were many other lovely expressions of love. My cheeks were sore from being kissed so many times and I was exhausted after church but it was wonderful.  And you know what?  Next week my husband gets to sit with me in church.  I never minded it at home but here it was very lonely sitting alone many times.  I am starting to get our apartment ready for the new couple who will come the end of February.  I am just writing a list of all the unique and quirky things about this apartment.  I hope they love it like we did.  We found out that the lady who we rent the apartment from has come to church two times. Yeah.  She had some financial reversals during the downturn and truly works every waking hour but we have called her and emailed her and a couple of months ago we went to visit her so this was very good news.

Last night we went to a baptism of a very special man.  He had decided to be baptized and wanted to surprise his wife so he arranged the whole thing on their wedding anniversary and had her called in to a meeting and when she arrived there he was standing dressed in white.On the way to the meeting we were called and asked to give the talks on the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  So, a little nervous I stood at the pulpit and gave my heartfelt feelings.  After the meeting the mans Father, not a member, came up to me and thanked me for my talk and said that my Portuguese was excellent and that as I spoke he could see a light glowing all around me.  Now that was exciting.  I can see he and his wife getting baptized also in the future.  

Today we go to Lisbon to renew our residency.  It seems silly when we just have 50 more days but it is the law and we always comply with the law.  Thanks to all of you at home for all your support, both financial and spiritual.  We have felt the love of the Lord and know that each of us is important to him.  All for now, Mom, Kathleen, Sister Roberts  

Letter from Blake

Dear grandma,

I need to ask you some questions for scouts.

What was life like when you were growing up?

What did you like to play when you were a child?

How did you do in school?  Did you like school?

Hope your mission is going good.  I miss you!

Love,

Blake

My Dearest Blake

I am so glad that you are involved in Scouts.  It teaches so many good things. Now for the answers to your questions:

When I grew up there were absolutely no electronics.  Our television was screen was about the size of an iPad, though the cabinet was the size of a large dresser, and it was in Black and White.  Walt Disneys "Wonderful World of Color was the first TV show that used color and it was very exciting.  Our telephone had a rotary dial (you put y our finger in the hole of the number you wanted and pushed it around in a circle - then the next number.  Also we had a "party line" which meant that my brother and I could listen in on other people's conversations though we did not know who the people were.  One of my favorite activities as a child was roller skating.  Not at a rink with shoe skates, but on the sidewalks around the block my house was on.  The skates had a "key" which fit into a rod that tightened the clamps that held the skates on to your shoes.  The skates had four wheels.  I skated around the blocks near my house for hours, only coming home for meals.  I knew every crack and raised concrete sidewalk on my block and how to avoid the ones that would make me fall.  Also there was an alley behind our garage.  An alley is a kind of road that goes between the backs of the houses on the block.  That is where the garbage truck came to pick up our garbage.  Anyway there was a small plot of dirt there where my brother and I used to dig and makes roads and tunnels with some of the neighbor kids.  Sometimes we would play kick ball in the street.  The manhole cover was home plate, a tree was first base another manhole cover was second and a fire hydrant was third.  We used a rubber ball and the pitcher rolled it to home plate and you kicked it as hard as you could then ran.

I liked school but it was very hard for me because I was so shy.  I still am shy but I know that being shy keeps you from doing things that you want to do so I try to be brave.  Being shy also makes you a target for bully's.  Bullying isn't a new thing it was around when I was a kid too.  I was a pretty good student.  I remember having a lot of trouble with multiplication tables and fractions but got through them finally.  I always did better with creative things like art and writing stories.  Some of my stories were good enough that some of the kids accused me of copying them from a book.  I never did!  Because of my parents many problems I spent a lot of time alone and was a lonely child.  I had a couple of good friends that lived nearby but children at that time did not spend as much time with friends as they do now. I am very grateful that my children have turned out to be such good parents.  My grandchildren are very lucky to have such good parents.  All different but all good.  Well, that should more than answer your questions - always remember I love you. Gramma Kathee

Our Area

Beautiful Cobblestones

 I took some pictures of the cobblestones for you.  These are all layed by hand.  The worker has a small pick with a flat end on one end and he cuts each stone to fit the pattern or space.  These are not all old.  many of them have been re done while we have been here.  This craft is not lost.  All over Portugal the sidewalks and plazas and walkways have beautiful designs .  All the side walks in Loule have designs in them except for the narrow 1ft to 18 inch sidewalks.  Mellonee asked my why they don´t have weeds growing in them and I wondered that too but I found out they regularly spray them and have seen a few places on the outskirts of town where there have been a few weeds.  Anyway I thought you would enjoy these photos.  

Miguel

We have had some wonderful spiritual experiences during our time here.  Let me tell you about Miguel. He is a member but had a relationship with a young woman, Suzette, who became pregnant. he was drinking quite heavily at the time and she refused to marry him and left to Lisbon to have her baby.  She listened to the missionary lessons and became a member of the church.  She wanted Yara, her daughter, to have a relationship with her father so she came back to Loule and got a job here.  Miguel took the *cure* before she returned at a local hospital.  Which is basically getting dried out and having some counselling.  He became active again and after a bit received his full priesthood blessings again.  he thought that they would get married  but Suzette wasn´t convinced of his committment to not drinking and refused.  They had some trouble  others got involved and Miguel began drinking again.  At the beginning We visited him in his apartment and talked to him and helped him make the decision to get dry.  We visited him again this time and he was more committed but it was very hard.  He was shaky and craving alcohol.  He had a rough time.  We got him back to the hospital and they dryed him out again.  This time he went to the library and found a copy of the Book of Mormon.  He told us it was his rock.  He had never read the whole thing before.  He spent all his free time reading this book and grew to love it.  It gave him peace and strength to overcome a great trial. We have been meeting with him often and giving him gospel lessons and helping him any way we can.  He is currently out of work but we are hoping that soon he will have work again.  When he gets the alcohol totally under control he will stop smoking.  The branch President has offered him a calling as soon as he gets this under control.  People here so desire to have a calling. Everyone does not have one.  We are so lucky to have met Miguel and if he were the only reason we came here it was so worth it. Have a blessed week and be thankful for your blessings.  Please continue to pray for my cousin Sues daughter Susann.  She has had some setbacks and is still in danger.  Thanks MOM

Bryson and Kelsey

So, we were fortunate enough to have Bryson and his girlfriend Kelsey come to stay with us this week and we took a little time off to tour with them. We drove over to Seville and rode a horse drawn carriage through the city to get an overview of all the magnificent architecture and beautiful gardens.  Seville used to be the capitol of Spain so it had much grandeur.  While we were at the castle which is now a overnment building Bryson took the opportunity to propose to Kelsey on a beautiful porcelan covered bridge with the palace in the back ground.  He had given us a heads up so we got lots and lots of pictures.  We have always had a wonderful connection to Bryson and are so grateful that he let us be a part of this exciting moment.  Oh and by the way she said yes!  She is a darling girl and we feel like we have known and loved her forever.  I know Mellonee and Daren are excited to have her as a Bonus daughter as well. While they were here we went to Faro for General Conference and they got to meet lots of the missionaries and also some of the members.  Bryson looked across the room and recognized one of the Sister Missionaries from home.  He had even been in her home as her sisters home teacher. For me General Conference is always a strengthening event.  There was one talk that spoke to me personally and I will be working onthat for the next six months until we have another conference.  Just so you know, I love the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It makes my life beautiful here (not always easy) and it will lead to most wonderful things in the future.  Bending our will to the Lords is hard because only he can see the future.  But after he gave us so much it is the best thing we can do to show our love for him.  I love you all Sister Roberts

New experiences

 I had a new experience this week.  My last molar at the back of my mouth broke.  i basically chewed glass, at least it felt like that a couple of times.  I ended up with a hole right in the middle of my tooth on Friday (of course right)  So I called one of the few people here who has nice teeth and she called Julietta (prob don't remember ) anyway they knew of a really good dentist here in Loule and they called and made me an appointment.  We left zone meeting in Faro, came to Loule had the dentist appointment and were back in 2 hours.  She drilled half my tooth off without novacane.  I didn't have any pain. and put the metal mold around the tooth and filled it with whatever the compound is then cured it with that light thingy and ground it down until it was the right height.  $40 Euros.  a relatively painless operation andI was back in Faro in time for Pizza and visiting with all the cute missionaries. Never know what is going to happen here in the mission field.  Alls good for now, Love MOM

Time Flys

This has been a busy week, which is always good since my tiger gets to get out of his cage.  Elder Roberts thrives on being extremely busy.
We made a couple of hospital runs for minor things and I have been trying to get the insurance company to do follow ups.  This is interesting as they are in Russia but there must be a bunch of them and they don´t always read the previous email sent from me. Anyway, we also made atrip to Beja on Sunday to interview a family for Baptism.  3 passed the interview but the father needed a bit more time to study about the Prophet.  We then flew back to Faro for a baptism for Loule. There was also a baptism in Olhao,and Portimao, plus 2 in Faro.  Great week for our district. I was asked to give the Holy Ghost talk at the Loule baptism with just 2 days to prepare.  Good thing I have studied that and previously gave a mini talk on the subject.  So I spent alot of time practicing and it came off without a hitch.  Whew. Last night we met a lady and taught her in English !!! Carla worked in England but has been here for a year or so.  She is sweet and knows her Bible so well.  She understands that there are 3 degrees in heaven, has always felt that God has a body and we were made in his own image. She was amazing in the things she has learned from the bible by searching for answers.  We have another appointment later in the week.
For our anniversary last week we went to Beja, we had to,but instead of staying in MOtel -1, We stayed in an old convent that had been remodeled into a hotel.  We could actuaaally sleep in the bed. They kept as much of the old convent as they could and the architecture was amazing.  There was a small chapel that was just like out of a movie.  Oh,and the bonus part was a swimming pool.  We can swim, it is allowed, so I did.  It was delicious in this 90 plus degree weather we have been having here.
Today for my birthday, we went pottery shopping again. There was a plate that I saw with the girls that I decided I wanted.  So we didn´t have to drive to Sagres we started at the shops here, then drove to a couple of others and then on to Sagres after all.  I decided I didnn´t like the plate as much as I remembered but found a great little pottery shop with lovely pieces and much lower prices.  it was a fun day. Tonight we have an appointment to teach another lesson.
It is always fun to be with the Elders and Sisters. I am so glad that we get to teach with them sometimes.  It is amazing what strenght they have and committment and desire.  Wow they are amazing, and they are 18, 19, and 20. It is invigorating just to be in their presence.  More to come

After doing our laundry and studying Gale took me to Quarteira to the beach for P day.  We sat under a coconut umbrella on lounge chairs and though it was 100 degrees the ocean breeze gave us a delicious respite from the schorching heat.  Tara and Abby had been to this beach last week and enjoyed it but we weren´t able to go with them so we went today.  There were lots of people there and some of them were very tan "and not in a good way".  The water was so warm it felt like a cool bath.  We took a walk  and played in the surf for a bit then enjoyed just watching the children and other people.  There were lots of English people in the area we were.  Nice to hear some English once in a while..  Portugal truly has the most georgeous beaches.
Sunday we traveled to Beja for our church meetings.  I love that little branch so much.  They are quite different from Loule´ but very loving and so helpful to me in my efforts to speak the language.  I always am asked to give a prayer or tell them what I think about the temple or some other thing (No sitting in the corner quietly in this branch)  There were 27 people there Sunday, but we have a new presidente and two new missionaries so hopefully this cute branch out in the middle of nowhere will grow. 
I truly wish we could get every person on the street to listen to our message.  The gospel is so beautiful for this life and eternidade.
I bore my testimony Sunday and had this overwhelming feeling of love for the Savior and what he WILLINGLY went through for us.  I just wish people would listen and understand that this is the most important thing they can do to save and have their families forever. Not their job, or house, or toys, but forever.  Those other things are nice but won´t be here in 100 years but our family ties and the love we share because of Christ will. 
Later this month we will be going to Lisboa to renew our residence card and hope to be able to spend some time with Elder and Sister Hoffman. We have mostly only talked to them on the phone but look forward to seeing them and sharing some stories.  Elder Hoffman called today to ask about the air conditioner/heater we bought last year.  It is very hot here, luckily it was not so bad when our girls came for the week.  We only had one hot day. That was such a great blessing for me to have my daughters (some of them) here for the week and to meet little Brynn)  Bless their hearts for all their planning and effort to pull off this surprise. Well, I am getting a bit long so will just say bye for all to todos (all) Love Sister Roberts

Dear Ross and Ladonna
Happy early anniversary.  I enjoyed your wedding pictures on facebook.  We were lucky enough to have 3 of our daughters come to Portugal for a week.  The Mission President told us to take the whole week and enjoy them and we did.  Lots of laughter and getting to meet my newest granddaughter Brynnlee.  Tara surprised me and boy was I surprised.  It isn´t even sad when they leave cause you feel like your love reservoir is full again.  Looking forward to the next 4 1/2 months then home to Shoshone.  Thanks for your newsletter love it! Sister Roberts

Show quoted text

Good bye my darling daughters

So fun!  I, of course loved the surprise but I truly enjoyed every minute you were here.  So grateful for the sister support you three give each other and how much fun you have.  Thanks for a maravilhosa semana ( wonderful week) We went to the adult class tonight and everyone wanted to know if you were gone and what we showed you. it was fun for me to have these membrs meet some of my family.  I am grateful that I got to meet Brynnlee also.  Now I know her personality a bit and it will mean more when I see her on video.  Thank you, thank you, thank you, I could go on and on but it is bed time here and I am exhausted, as I know you three are and you aren´t even done yet.  I love you always, MOM

Always a Good Week

L to Right are:  Elder Lee, Elder Roberts,Zenaide, Elder Pickrell, and Elder Gunther.

Anytime there is a baptism it is a good week.  this week Elder Roberts got to baptise ˋZenaideˋ, who the Elders taught.  She is a lovely woman from Brazil who in fact was leaving for Brazil the day after her baptism, for 3 months.  The missionaries thought it would be good for her to be baptized by someone who might be here when she returns.  Anyway, I think she was a little afraid of the water because it took four tries to get her completely immersed in the water.  She stiffened up and Elder Roberts thought he might go under with her but they got the job done and she was all smiles.
This is white week here which means the missionaries are fasting, praying extra hard and trying just a little bit more to find those who need the gospel in their lives and are ready to recieve it.
   Also we are teaching a young man named Tiago (pronounced Chi-ago) We met him several months ago at Staples and have kept in contact with him and last week we were able to give him his first lesson.  He called yesterday and scheduled with us for a second lesson.  Excited for him as he is a lovely fellow who sincerely wants to do what is right.  Weĺl see how this goes.  He speaks some English and enjoys occasionally speaking with us in English.
   Last night we went to the local English class, taught by the Elders with our support.  It is a fun class. When they ask questions in English the students must respond in kind.  I however responded in Portuguese which got chuckles from everyone.  They understand the struggle to learn a new language.  Here speaking Ingles can be very helpful for jobs etc as there are so many tourists.  We end each lesson with a gospel message and hopefully we will gain some investigators from this effort.

great members and elders in Beja

Saturday we drove to Beja which is 1 1/2 hours from Loule to deliver a chocolate birthday cake to Elder Jimanez as Sister Roberts makes one for each missionary on ther birthday. The branch there was going to have a barbeque for him on Sunday after church but when they heard we were coming to attend their branch counsel they changed the barbeque to after the counsel meeting. IThe members here treat us like roayalty and we are jsut overwhelmed  form this. This was a great day and lots of fun for us and them. Elder Jimanez ask sister Roberts to please save the cake so he could just take it home and he and his companion could eat it. The cake in the picture the branch had made for him.

We dug right in to this cake.

All of us!

His companion, Elder Yancy taking a memory

Churches here rarely have anything like a cultural hall so they just set up a few tables in the foyer.

They made sure Sister Roberts had a seat.  They just love her

The Branch President and others cooked the meat outside the chapel.

Pday in Loulé

Hi Al

We spent a wonderful P Day yesterday walking around Loule'  We peeked into a few little shops.  We were looking for slippers and did find some.  I also found a soft comfy robe.  We had keys made so that I have a set too.  We found an indoor farmers market/flea market that is cool.  Dad was feeling a little bit dumpy so we took it easy for the rest of the day.  Today he woke up feeling great.  We went today to our district meeting in Faro (yes is is pronounced Far-O) The Elders live right across the street from us so they ride with us (it's about a 1/2 hour away) One of them is a sweet, humble young man who is the district leader.  We always conclude our meetings singing Called to Serve - in Portuguese of course (yes I know all the words) It is a rousing rendition and there is a shout that they do in the middle.  We didn't get to work with the Single Young Adults but in a way we did.  We drive the Missionaries to appointments that are far away.  One set of elders walked 8 miles to visit a couple.  We took them once and they weren't home or at least didn't answer the door. We sometimes take missionaries to the dr. We do all we can to help them out so we really are working with single young adults and they are magnificent!

I am so grateful for the Lords hand in my life and with helping us on this mission.  Sometimes it is very hard, whether physically or mentally but in hindsight we can always see the gifts the Lord has given us and the way he has helped us.  

I'm grateful to know that we lived in Heaven before we were born and that we longed to progress and have a body like Heavenly Father.  I'm grateful for the plan of Happiness God presented to us whereby we could come to Earth and grow and progress and be tested and return again to live with him in a perfect resurrected body ( That sounds great right now!)  I'm grateful that the Sealing power was restored so that our families can be together forever.  I love the Book of Mormon.  AND I Love and Miss my Family!  I'm grateful for Skype, email, Google Hangouts etc.  Thank all of you for your prayers and your love 

Just helping out!

This week we have spent lots of time on medical issues.  Who would have thought about missionaries being sick.  We had one Elder who we think had a reaction to his malaria shot but is now doing well.  We had another who thought he had a fungus growing onhis foot but it turned out that when his sox got wet they dyed the callous a kind of hinky purple to pinkshade.  All is well with him.  We have a sister with some gynecological problems (enough said) comingup.  And we have an Elder with foot pain who needs an x-ray andacat scan.  The insurnce company only wants to schedule these one at a time so I have been jumping through hoops to get it all done.  
Meanwhile, Sister Tavares had scheduled a tonsilectomy for an elder who has been suffering for months and feeling lousy.  We were asked to go to Lisbon and stay in the mission home as Pres.Tavares and her were due in the acores (Azores) for a zone conference.  While they were in our area last week for a zone conference she got several calls about a Sister who apparently had appendicitis and needed immediate surgery.  So she and her husband left our conference a little bit early so she could be here with this sister.  We arrived on Thursday and were taking care of the sister and yesterday Elder Roberts took the elder to the hospital for his tonsilectomy.  He was scheduled to be there at 2;00 with surgery at 4:00. He actually got taken to the operating room at 9:30.  He got out at about 10:30.  Elder Roberts didn't get back to the mission home until midnight after having gotten lost in Lisbon twice.  He didn't have keys to the mission home or the gate so I had to wait up for him.  Our Elder came to the Mission home today and  both he and Sister are doing very well.  Jello in the fridge.Ice Cream too. Sister Tavares, who is a mother hen, is probably flying back from the Azores today because she can't stand being away from her missionaries when they need her.  We will be here until Sunday then return to Loule. This morning when ElderRoberts left the alarm went off.  I didn't know what to do so I started punching buttons....President Tavares got a call from the police.  Luckily they didn't come here. All for now. MOM

The Lord loves us so He gives us Prophets, just like days of old

This last week we traveled to Lisboa to stay in the mission home to hear Elder David A.Bednar speak to the missionaries.  All the missionaries were told that they could ask aquestion of Elder Bednar, but not stupid questions like ẁhere is the sword of Laban?´
His plane was late due to fog and so we had the opening song andprayer without him and then he and others with him arrived.  He was so powerful.  He spoke to each of the missionaries as they asked their questions and addressed them individually.  He said we need more doing and less talks about doing and meetings about doing. As you can imagine it was a very great blessing to be in a sacrament  size meeting with an apostle of the Lord.  They had to leave before the closing prayer and song in order to make their next meeting and as they cme down the isle from several rows away he looked me in the eyes and when he got to me he shook my hand, and took and extra minute and looked deep into my eyes,then he quickly shook hands with the  other senior missionaries in our row.
The next day was the leadership training for all the stake and zone leaders, which meant dad.  The sisters were in another room with Sister Bednar.  She is a darling, very down to earth woman with a great capacity for loving people.  Elder Bednar interrupted our meeting to say hello and he told of Sister Bednars quiet service in the behind the scenes things and again he looked me right in the eyes as he was saying this.  As you know at times I have been frustrated that I am not able to do enough here because of lthe language barrier but in that moment I knew that I am doing just what I should be doing and helping in ways that I can.  He touched my heart that day and I felt like my service is accepted.
President and Sister Tavares invited us to stay an extra day and go to the meeting on Sunday when the local missionaries would be there and Elder Johnson and his wife would address us (He is in the area presidency). We had a great time with Elder and Sister Tavares.  She loved my chocolate cake the last time was there and I made it with her watching and taking notes but she couldn´t get it to turn out so (she made it 3 times and the housekeeper made it 5 times).  So we made the cake again.  This time I watched  Sister Tavares make it.  It turned out great.  She was very happy.  So was I because she had called me several times to tell me she couldn´t make it andI was wracking my brain to try to figure out what she wasn´t doing.  Anyway - Success! We ran into Azelia, the housekeeper at the Sunday meeting and Sister Tavares told her of making the cake and Azelia said with a big smile, Oh good now you can teach me!  It was a wonderful weekend and the Tavares have invited us to come çup early next time to see some things in Lisboa.
One other thing happened as we were driving home from the Sunday meeting.  Sister Tavares had just told us that we were going to go home and eat and then we would need to rest before our journey back to loulé.  She got an email from her son that said he had a dream that they were in a meeting of about 1500 or more people and they were with another missionary couple and a General Authority  and as we left Sister Tavares said to the missionary couple ' ẁe are going home to eat and then rest.  It was exactly what had happened.  Elder Roberts thought it was a joke at first then was so amazed.  He took it very seriously and very unlike him, he took the time to take a nap before we drove home.  I had no feelings about it at all. But Elder Roberts decided that he should take a nap before leaving. So we stayed and then went home safely. The next day Presidente Tavares called to apologize for his sons hoax.  President Tavares phone had apparently called his son and the son heard the conversation we were having.  He thought it would be funny to tease his mother so he called her to give her the story of his "dream." The Tavares' were so embaressed but we just thought it was funny. I am so thankful for this great opportunity.  Love and health to you all
MOM, Kathleen , Gramma Kathee

Downtown Madrid

This is the subway.  It was very clean but had many many steps to get out of it at the end of our journey.

This is a water closet (ie.toilet) right on the sidewalk.  You put in a Euro and the door slides open and you step in.  There is also a small sink and a towel.

Everywhere we went there was marveloul wrought iron.  Fences, Giant Gates, window coverings and lots of ornamental.  I am a sucker for wrought iron but this was beyond compare.

One of the beautiful fountains in Madrid.

The Grand Palace.  This is actually the back.  It went on for blocks.

O Templo do Madrid- O Espanha

We experienced a wonderful miracle this week as we were able to go to the temple in Madrid Spain. We were traveling using Google Maps because Dad Hates his GPS.          He didn't think to talk to Vodaphone - our internet carrier to see if we would have internet in Spain.  We were about 172 hour out of Madrid when the internet quit.  We tried the GPS but it couldn't find the address.  Dad couldn't remember the name of the hotel so we couldn't even ask directions.  We were thinking we might have to turn back but we pulled off the road and had a prayer.  It was a simple prayer in which Dad said "Weŕe just to old people who want to go to the Temple."  We smiled at each other then tried our various devises again hoping to figure out something when lo andbehold the internet started working and took us all the way in to our hotel.  We were there three days and we did the work for several of my ancestors.  The day before we left we took two of the young women (Women but not married) with us and we had an adventure going through the subway and seeing many of the beautiful old buildings.  Madrid is a beautiful city.  Throughout the whole area there are parks and green areas with fountains and flowers.  It is amazing how much some greenery changes the environment.  Reminded me of Central Park in NYC. So Friday morning we slept in and started for home.  I kept checking the internet to see what I had missed while off line but it didn't work until about an hour from home.  Everything was the same.  Everything was charged but we didn't need the internet on the way home.  Miracles come to us and many times we don't even recognize them.  I'm glad that I recognized this one.

 This is the dormatory type hotel because so many people travel long distances to come to the Temple.  It was full so we stayed in a simple little hotel a couple of miles away.

I didn´t know Missionaries got sick

This week we have spent lots of time on medical issues.  Who would have thought about missionaries being sick.  We had one Elder who we think had a reaction to his malaria shot but is now doing well.  We had another who thought he had a fungus growing on his foot but it turned out that when his sox got wet they dyed the callous a kind of hinky purple to pink shade.  All is well with him.  We have a sister with some gynecological problems (enough said) coming up.  And we have an Elder with foot pain who needs an x-ray and a cat scan.  The insurance company only wants to schedule these one at a time so I have been jumping through hoops to get it all done.
Meanwhile, Sister Tavares had scheduled a tonsillectomy for an elder who has been suffering for months and feeling lousy.  We were asked to go to Lisbon and stay in the mission home as Pres.Tavares and her were due in the Acores (Azores) for a zone conference.  While they were in our area last week for a zone conference she got several calls about a Sister who apparently had appendicitis and needed immediate surgery.  So she and her husband left our conference a little bit early so she could be here with this sister.  We arrived on Thursday and were taking care of the sister and yesterday Elder Roberts took the elder to the hospital for his tonsillectomy.  He was scheduled to be there at 2:00pm with surgery at 4:00. He actually got taken to the operating room at 9:30.  He got out at about 10:30.  Elder Roberts didn't get back to the mission home until midnight after having gotten lost in Lisbon twice.  He didn't have keys to the mission home or the gate so I had to wait up for him.  Our Elder came to the Mission home today and  both he and Sister are doing very well.  Jello in the fridge.Ice Cream too. Sister Tavares, who is a mother hen, is probably flying back from the Azores today because she can't stand being away from her missionaries when they need her.  We will be here until Sunday then return to Loule. This morning when Elder 

Roberts left the alarm went off.  I didn't know what to do so I started punching buttons....President Tavares got a call from the police.  Luckily they didn't come here. All for now. MOM

The Vincents

Late last Thursday night Abby and Rob and girls arrived from Lisbon.  We were waiting and parked our car on the street so that they would have a parking place as they are hard to find late at night.  I heard them coming as their loud kid voices echoed up the halls of our building. I was greeted by a huge smile from GG and hugs all around.  We got everyone settled for the night in two bedrooms and they settled right down.  I bought slippers for all the girls and Abby and they thought it was a nice jesture until they walked across the tile floor barefooted.  They were a necessity.  GG kept hers on all the time. She even learned that the little doggies had to be looking at each other to be on the right feet.
We had a wonderful week despite dads ˋGPS from hell´ We visited Loulé castle and the outdoor market.  We went to two flea markets (Gypsey Market) We visited the beach and one day it was a bit cold and the other it was warm. We went on a long boat ride up the coast of Portugal and took a small boat into some sea caves. Dad and Rob and Ava and Charlotte took a jeep ride up to see the cork trees and various other flora and fauna.  They had lunch there andwere taught lots of interesting facts.  meanwhile, Abby and I went shopping for our newest family member Brynn (or Brynnlee not positive which it is) Anyway we shopped all the cute little shops in Loulé as I wanted to send something back with Abby so Tara will get it sooner than the Portuguese Post office thinks is prudent.  Then we packed and went to Lisbon to stay in a house owned by the new Presidente of the District.  It was a nice house but like all portuguese homes it was very cold. But we only slept there. We took a double deck bus around the city and then a tram up to the castle.  Can I just say the view was spectacular - there is sometinng about looking down on rooftops with water in the distance. Our visit was not without some real adventures:  We got all ready to take the jeep adventure walked to the market to be picked up by the company and when they were late we didn´t think too much of it cause it is Portugal and they are always late.  But finally we called and found out we were two days early and that was the day we took the boat trip.  So we went early to the beach ,since we were all ready, to play on the beach before the trip. We had lunch at a cafe right on the beach and went back to drive to the boat but Robs car wouldn´t start.  Phone calls, phone calls.  Finally the boat company sent a van to pick us up cause seven of us couldn´t fit in our car. At the end of the day the Rental company towed Robs car and he went with them to get a new one. And told him if it was his fault he would have to pay for it.
The day we went to the flea market Abby looked up a good restaurant with great reviews right on the beach.  We drove and drove and the road kept getting more and more like a farm road but we finally found it.  Closed for the Winter.  On our Lisbon trip our GPS took us to a storage facility and had us driving around and around four long lines of buildings.  So Rob and Abby looked the address up on Google Maps.  The roads were rough with lots of narrow streets and didn´t look anything like a gated community but Portugal is kind of like that so we kept driving and finally we came to the end of a farmers road, wet, and not much space to turn around. Dad had a flashlight so we found where the dropoff was and they guided each other and pushed each others cars until we got out of there and Dad called Presidente Silva in Norway and he guided Abby to the house. Whew.  Last adventure of the week was Dad getting pick pocketed. We were waiting for thge tram and dad walked away from me to read a sign.  He had buttoned his back pocket for safety.  People behind me started pushing and someone handed dad his coinpurse (front pocket) then a few minutes later someone handed him his wallet and told him he dropped it. Dad carries his money in his money clip which the coin purse was on top of whew! And none of his credit cards or anythingwas missing from his wallet. They were so slick.  I was watching and he was being careful but we got distracted by the coin purse and they were able to unbutton his pocket and get his wallet with me standing behind him.  When we got on the bus there was a sign that said "Beware of Pick pockets"
When we got home dadgot out his travel pouch that you wear aroundyour neck and said next timeheis goingto sew a fake wallet into his pants and punch anyone who tries to get it.
Weºre sure going to miss those little munchkins and especially Abby and Rob but we will be forever grateful we had them to fill our hearts again.  Now we will probably be able to make it the rest of the time. But anyone else who wants to could visit.  No hotels  All the rice and beans you can eat.  just sayin´

Boy...Oh Boy!

One of the things that Dad was happy about when going on a mission was being released from the Stake Presidency.  Not because he didn't enjoy it but it is such a big responsbility.  In any case It was so nice to sit with him in Sacrament meeting and all.  Then we came here and he was put in the Branch Presidency.  The branch was really struggling.  With little priesthood and some leaders that were used to doing everything.  He made a few changes and sort of got things rolling in the right direction.  Also we have visited members with the missionaries and many of them are excited about missionary work and sharing the wonderful gift that they have inthe gospel with everyone else.  The missionaries are currently teaching about ten people and families.  We are not very far from Loule´becoming a ward.
So, at our zone conference Presidente Tavares told Gale that he needed to talk to him, his wife made the cutting across your neck sign.  Gulp.  I was afraid we were going to be moved to either Lisbon or back to Olhão to help straighten up that branch but no.  Dad has been called as the second counsellor in the Zone Presidency (Which is the equivelent of a Stake Presidency.)  President Tavares said they really needed us in Lisbon but they needed us more here.  We thought that our stake was spread out but this is farther apart with no wards, only branches.  I cried a minute,selfishly, thinking I would be alone again but Dad reassured me that I will go with him to most of the Sunday meetings.  Whew... He will have other meetings but that is OK.  We get to be in on the Algarve getting it's first Stake sometime in the near future.  And we still get to do missionary work here in LOULÉ.  We don't have to move.  I will be released from nurseryso I will be free to go with dad to the various locations for Sunday meetings and I will have to give talks more but I can do all that.  He is overwhelmed mostly because of the language but the Zone President speaks English so that will help him some.Well, that is our news for this week... gulp...Excited to have Abby and Rob and the girls come. 
  Oh I almost forgot, I had to have some moles removed at my bra line.  Not frozen out but cut out,,ouch, It was an interesting experience, and not very modest but it is done and i survived.  Very little pain and I am happy to have it overwith.  Love you all my wonderful family and think of you every day.   MOM

Many Blessings

well, Dad had a wonderful birthday this past Saturday.  He got calls from all of the local Elders and Sisters with songs from all.  Also got lovely emails from grandchildren  singing - we so enjoyed those over and over.  Thanks for remembering all.  I also received a sweet gift from a wonderful woman in our branch (candida senteo) She gave a talk in our socidade de socorro (Relief society) on making due with the things we had and she showed some things that she made including this darling doll made from old clothes and yarn and wire.  After the meeting she gave it to me telling it was her and so I would never forget her.  I love it and I will never forget her faith and steadfastness in living gospel principles even when things are tough.  her husband left her with two little kids.  She came to Loulé and was nurtured and helped and she supports herself and her children.  They are strong and the daughter is getting ready to go on a mission.
This week was exciting also.  We had 6 investigators at church.  Our Elder Thomas and companions have worked very hard and it is finally starting to pay off, however, Elder Thomas was just transferred.  We will miss him. but he is leaving a legacy for others to follow.  I guess that is what we do isn't it. we asked him if there was anyplace he would like to go for Pday before he left and he asked to go to the Chinese buffet in Faro. We've taken him there before so it was fun to do it again.  
  I also made cakes for one Elder and one Sister and delivered them this week.  Sister Conrad has only been here 6 weeks and she was so touched that we would make her a cake and deliver it with a birthday song.  So fun.  Elder Haws lives across the street but he was tickled too (yes he is related Tyler Haws the BYU basketball player  cousin, and his dad is the news anchor for KSL) Cute boy and very talented on the piano. The Elders here are getting a car so we won't get to drive them as much which we have enjoyed
We had another small miracle last night.  Dad drove into the "dungeon" AKA our underground parking place.  It is very dark and to mee Freddy Kruger lurks in the shadows somewhere but it is so wonderful to have a place to park.  Anyway dad oft times speeds in a bit and pulls right to one isle then backs up to the other isle and finally backs into our assigned place.  Sometimes he backs up quite fast but last night he didn't.  I am his co pilot and always watch out for things too.  I was lookingin the rear view side mirror and dad was looking on the other side when suddenly there was a car parked to our right.  I gasped, looked at Gale and said "Did you see that car?"  His eyes got big as saucers and he said " No, no".  Hearts pounding we continued to back into our place.  The car was still stopped there waiting for someone and had no idea how lucky we all were.  We both said a prayer of gratitude for sweet blessings.

A letter from Mom

Hi to my favorite Missionaries,

 Thinking about you tonight and about 72 years ago when we were bless with a cute little brown eyed baby boy. Thinking of the joy he brought into our lives. Grateful the loving and humble man he is today. Wishing you a special and Happy Birthday on Saturday. I didn't send a card, it takes to long for it to get there.

I really enjoy hearing about your mission and all the things you are able to do, you are blessing all of us.

It was a sunny nice day here today. We still have quite a bit of snow on the ground and are thankful for the moisture we have received this winter, the mountains are covered with snow. I had lunch today with Gwen and DeVeaux, it is always nice to visit with them.  Then I have new Visiting Teachers, they came today and visited for awhile, Necia McDonald and Debbie King.  Rick and Nancy are in the temple today. We had Dacia and her children here last week and that was nice. Lorraine called me today and she said the Chemo isn't helping Dave and Dr.Manning says he is dying. I feel so sorry for Marvin and Sally, I call them and don't know what else do. We are into the election and Donald Trump is a head of everyone on the Republican side. It is a sad time for our nation.

I will close sending love and prayers your way.

ILY Mom 

Empty Planner

Most days we get up and have only a few things on our planning list to do.  These, for me include scripture study and portuguese study. But, a couple of hours into the day we are fully booked.  Friday it looked like we were free for most of the day then we got a call from a Sister in Olhão who was throwing up ˋgreenˋ The throwing up
didn´t bother me as much as the color.  So we rushed over to Olhão and took her to Faro to the emergency room.  Itś really more like an urgent care facility though it does handle emergencies also. We waited there for four hours while they had her in the back.  They gave her an iv to hydrate her and  did a blood test.  Then they sent her home.  She had been sick for a couple of days but we had to be sure it was more than the flu. Anyway we took her home, went and bought her some water, and drove home.  All in all a busy day sitting at the hospital.  The next day she was much better and was out working again.  Sometimes itś a call from the Elders for a ride somewhere far away and sometimes it is helping teach an investigator but we always end up filling the whole day.
We have one investigator who has taken the lessons before but
can´t quite commit.  We have asked her to pray but she canºt quite bring herself to do it.  How do you find answers to spiritual things without praying? Sometimes I think we resist praying because we  are afraid to find out because it will mean we have to take an action that we are also afraid of. 
I bore my testimony today in Sacrament meeting, yes, in Portuguese.  I can speak but I have a hard time carrying on a conversation because my understanding is at times so poor.  I know this is a struggle but without the help of the Lord I am afraid I would know nothing in Portuguese.There are miracles in our lives every day but often we fail to recognise them. 
Just the other day we went to help a member clean a house to be able to rent it. Our car had had a couple of hiccups starting but Dad thought nothing of it.  While waiting to follow the lady to her house our battery died.  We connected to the ladys car and got ours started.  When we got ready to leave the house after getting it all cleaned the car was again dead.  It was a Saturday, which meant that everything closed at lunchtime. One of the men there told us where to go in Loulé to get a new battery.  We were afraid that the shop would be closed and as we pulled up they were closing.  One of the men left but the other, an older gentleman, helped Dad get a new battery put in the car.  Our Apartment is several miles from the Chapel and would have been very difficult for me to walk to the church.  It was a great blessing that the first man was there and could tell us exactly where to go to get a battery, that the man in the shop was willing to stay late to help us, and it was also a blessing that the car didn´t die the night before when we had stopped on a dark road to admire the stars. I love the little everyday blessings because it reminds me that the Lord is mindful of me and my needs and he loves each one of us.       

A Chance for Service

It was abeautiful thing today as we drove to another town to help a woman from our branch to clean her parents home that she now owns, so it could be rented out.  She had no trouble asking us and the missionaries to help her and when we got ready to go she had two other friends with her.  We drove there and the missionaries were put to work pulling a bunch of weeds and clearing large containers that were stacked near the house. I went upstairs (outside stairs) where there was a bedroom and just outside was a bathroom.  I cleaned the bedroom while my friend scrubbed the bathroom from the ceiling to the floor.  The lady and her other friend were joined by her brother who was painting a bathroom downstairs.  When I had finished the bedroom I went downstairs and helped polish some wood furniture, doors and cleaned the dining room, then started on the kitchen. The lady had brought cookies and sandwiches for all of us to eat.  Here´s a funny thing.  A sandwich here consists of two pieces of sourdough bread, thick, and a piece of cheese.  Or a piece of meat.  No mayo, no lettuce, no tomatoe.  Just the bread and the cheese or meat.  The other thing that struck me was that this woman didn´t hesitate to ask and none thought anything of going to help a friend clean a house so she could rent it and get money.  She is their friend so they are glad to do it.  It was a beautiful thing!!

Helder and Tania

In November the Elders started teaching a young couple named Helder (pronounced elder) and Tania (pronounced Tanya) They have a son Diogo and a baby under a year named Martins.  The elders allowed us to help teach this sweet couple and we watched as they embraced the gospel.  When they set a date to get married Tania was like a little girl.  She cried then after that she giggled.  In later times when we taught her it seemed like she wasn't sure that it would ever happen.  They are very poor.  Helder has been out of work for a long time and has been unable to find work.  The family was about to have their water turned off and also be evicted from the tiny, fridgid apartment they were living in. Tania was very worried about that.  So, we paid this off for them and they found a smaller, albeit warmer apartment - By small I mean that their kitchen would fit in my master bath  and each of the two bedrooms had room for only two beds.  They were so happy with the new apartment and the fact that Tania had found a job starting this coming week which gave her Sunday and Monday off.  This is unheard of in Portugal - but they had lots of prayers and the Lord recognized their need.  They continued to learn the gospel and each time they were asked to do something they happily said they would.  And they did. As they made plans to get married they were worried about the $120.00 the government charges to get married and how they would ever get that kind of money. Someone gave them $100.00.  Not all of it but most of it, because it wouldn't have any value it they didn't work for it.  Anyway Helder called the missionaries to tell them he finally had his 20.00 and so we began planning the wedding.  We were asked to be their witnesses and went to the registry to show our papers and they the government gave them a date that they could come in and get married.  The date was the same date that the Elders had originally given them as a goal date to get married two months previously. It usually takes much longer to schedule a date for marriage so we were very excited that this could happen just a week after they signed up.
    When we first talked about getting married Tania had said that she always wanted to get married in a white dress..  The elder who was teaching the lesson told her the important thing was to be married. No matter what she wore..  However, I couldn''t get that out of my mind.  We talked it over and asked them for sizes and went shopping .  Now, the problem is Tania wears a 13-14 in girls sizes..
We went to Portamao to a shopping center there.  We looked and looked and     couldn´t find anything that remotely was a dress let alone a white dress. I had previously seen a knitted dress on a maniquin in another town and that vision kept coming to mind. Finally, we stopped at the top of the escalator and had a quick prayer telling Heavenly Father how much it would mean to Tania to have a white dress in which to get married, and would He please help us to find something she would like.  We got on the escalator and walked into a childrens store where I walked over to a rack that had white showing and pulled out almost the exact dress that I kept picturing in my mind. We found tights to match, a camisole, and Dad found the cutest boots. i picked up a pearl necklace and a flower for her hair. She giggled and was so cute when we gave her these few things.
    Today we met Tania and Helder at the registrars office along with the sisters, the elders, and their branch President.  We waited in a reception area with lots of desks and secretaries and were finally called into a room where we all sat around a table while a woman read over the prepared documents left the room to put a seal on the paper and gave it to them. They were married.

and the next day they were baptized:

The Language Barrier

We have been going with the local missionaries to teach CTMM, which is basically to train them how to give a Book of Mormon to their friends.  It is a great program and has been welcomed by many of our members.  On Monday, January the 11 we had an appointment with several families to have Family Home Evening (Noite Familiar) and dinner.  It is always a fun time with this group and we look forward to it every time.  However, the local missionaries were called to Lisbon so they asked us to teach in their place at another home.  I usually understand most of what is being said in appointment conversations but I totally missed this one.  This lady had previously given her friend a Book of Mormon and she was coming for a lesson.  She wasn't there when we got there and we had dinner and then everyone got up and put their coats on so I thought we were going to her house to give her the lesson and I had just misunderstood.  Boy had I!
   We drove for a long time. Dad said it wasn't that far but Portugal's tiny streets at night make it seem much farther than it is.  We arrived and parked near a large Catholic Church,no big deal as they are everywhere.  We then walked across the courtyard and behind the church where a group of women stood near another woman who was crying and acting like she was going to faint. Remember we have signs on our chest that tell who we are and we did get some looks.   Our member, Odelia, walked up to her and kissed her and greeted her and talked for a minute.  Dad and I waited.  Then Odelia led us to a door in the building.  When I walked in this small room there was a casket with four large lit candlesticks surrounding it.  We stood there while Odelia went over to the casket and lifted the handkerchief over the face of the dead woman.  I was thinking I do not want to do that. I checked and no one was in front of the door thinking I could mark a run for it (albeit slow).  We then sat down in chairs amid a few stairs and waited while Odelia spoke with the grieving woman who had come in from the outside.  We sat there nearly an hour.  Dad had no idea that I had not understood a thing before. When everyone started leaving we finally got up.  I noticed a chest across the room with paper flowers in it and a sign that said 50 centavos.  You buy these paper flowers and put them in the coffin..  After everyone else had left Odelia wrote in the book of remembrance they had in the windowsill and beckoned us to come write in the book also.  We each just signed our names and followed the woman who had lost her 80 year old mother outside.  Odelia went to say good bye and we sort of hung back then Odelia told us we needed to say goodbye to her which means again kissing  the cheeks of some woman I have never met and saying something appropriate.  So I did and after we dropped Odelia off at her apartment I told Dad what I had and had not understood and we had a good laugh. Though it didnˋt seem very funny at the time.

Amazing Gratitude

About a month ago we had the opportunity to teach a young married couple. His name is 

Beeky and her name is Sheeska. Not very Portuguese because they are from Nepal. Nepal has a very depressed economy and it is almost impossible to find a descent job.  It is not easy to leave Nepal but about two years ago they with some friends were able to leave and they went to the Netherlands for about a year but were unable to find descent work so they came to Portugal. They speak fairly good english and hardly any Portuguese but they are trying to learn. One of there good friends named Narayen was baptized in Faro about the same time we had the opportunity to teach them. Shortly thereafter they move to an area about 20 minutes from Faro.  The Elders lost track of them and tried to call them but never recieved and answer. They had just about given up and then last night their appointments fell through and they had the impression to call Beeky and he answered the phone and said he was so glad to hear from them. They have moved twice and had been working long hours and hadn't been able to get back to the elders. We went with the Elders to visit them and here is what we found. This young couple lives with 6 other young people from Nepal some of which speak neither Portugues or English and have to rely of Beeky and Sheeska to tell them what to do at work. They share one kitchen which is the size of  the master bathroom in our house and one bathroom which we didn't see. There is one bedroom and a living room. They share the bedroom with two of their friends and the other 4 sleep in what would be a living room. We retaught them about the restoration and the need for bapism and they said they understood but that baptism was going to be a very important step for them and they would not do it unless they could live the commandments and attend church. They said they hoped things would change for the better for them after March and the Elders could teach them again at that time. Each of them said a prayer, Beeky at the beginning and Sheeska at the end. Heres the punch line. In their prayers each of them thanked the Lord for all that they had, the food to eat, work to do, each other, the roof over their heads and the friends that they have. Then they each thanked Heavnly Father that the Eldes did not forget them because of the good feelings when the Elders teach them. They asked for blessings for their friends  the Elders Your mother and I and that they could continue to have peace in their lives and that the world might be a more peaceful place. Beeky asked that he might have his good wife with him for always. 

      Please be grateful each day, we have been given so much and there are those in the world with so little but they have great faith and humble gratitude for all things in their lives. 

  We love you all and are so grateful each day for you're goodness and all the blessings that Heavenly Father has poured out upon us. Love Elder and Sister Roberts

  

Ups and downs!!!

It has ben abit slow for the past couple of daysbut we got great news earlier this week when we found out our local missionaries Elder Thomas and Elder Souza will be here another six weeks.  We have become very attached to them and it will be hard when they do transfer out.  
We had a wonderful answer to our prayers when Helder (prounounced Elder) called to say that he had come up with the money to get married so that he and Tania could get baptized.  It costs 120 Euros if you are lucky enough to have been born here.  Much more if you are not a native or if you want to get married on a weekend.  Helder is only working part time and Tania just started working part time also.  They have three children. Their oldest daughter doesn´t live with them.  She lives with an aunt. The next boy is seven and they have a baby under a year.  They moved here from Lisboa to find work thinking it would be better. In any case Helder came up with the 20 euros (someone else donated the 100- hmmm) and now our prayers have been answered. They are such a sweet family and Tania was so cute and smiley when we first talked to them about getting married and the Lords law of Chastity. We will go to the wedding and the baptism.  
   We have been going to member homes to teach how to hold Family Home Evening and also how to share your testimony of the Book of Mormon.  I have read the Book of Mormon three times since I have been here and I love it more each time.  The first thing I noticed is the peace I feel when I read it.  And my day always seems to be in order when I start with this reading.  Also when I am frustrated with my language studies It helps me to focus again.
   We just found out that the elders in the office in Lisbon FINALLY got our package out of customs.  It has been there for three weeks.  Elder Roberts was just about to call Sister Tavares because they had been so lax in getting it.  Now it has to sit there until someone goes up there and comes back down here.  Our zone leader has been there twice since Christmas but they haven´t gotten it yet.  His Christmas packsage is there too.  GRRRR 20 year olds.  Anyway we should have it next week.
   Elder Roberts is like a caged Tiger whenwe don´t have anything to do and we haven´t for the last two days. He watched a video of other missionaries talking about how busy they are and he gets frustrated.  We can´t really visit people in the afternoon as no one is home. Usually we are busy but we have gone two days.  However in all fairness he was pretty trashed from a headache he had in the night so it is really good that he could rest a bit.  Heś great again and chomping at the bit to get back to work 

Elder Rylee Turner

Dear Elder Turner,

  I was thinking about you last night and thought you may have left the MTC by now.  We are six months into our mission now and have begun to really love it.  However, that being said we do have some really down days.  Me especially, struggling with the language.  I keep thinking I want to teach and testify but I am so limited in what I actually can say.  In any case we have had some wonderful experiences with many great people.  We have been teaching the members how to give a Book of Mormon to their friends ( called CTMM). About putting a picture in the front cover and a testimony, marking significant scriptures and telling the friend how much the book means in your life.  It is great to see these members some converts of only a few years grasp the concept and be so willing to share with their friends. Even the teens agree to give a book to a friend.  One little branch had their elders teaching 14 people because of member referrals. Our baptisms have been slow and our mission pres is frustrated but I think that in awhile the Book of Mormon will bear precious fruit and we will have the baptisms that we want.

Elder Roberts is the President of the small branch here besides being a missionary so he is busy as usual.  They say if you really want something done ask a busy man.  That is him.  I so enjoy the young missionaries and have made several feasts to celebrate holidays etc.  We try to take them on a small trip to see local sights if we can and that too has been fun.  

I am a convert to the church as you probably know and so I understand the difficulties that go along with that.  But, I am so grateful that I found the church, or it found me.  Because I was invited to Primary I am here.  My father and my brother both died of alcoholism so who knows where I would have been if the Lord had not found me.  Every person you teach is important.  Try to look at them and see them the way their mother sees them, then imagine Heavenly sees so much more in them.  

I am so proud of you Rylee, and grateful that you are not only serving your Heavenly Father but you too, are becoming a better person. I wish you all the best and look forward to sharing stories in the future.

Love,

Sister Roberts