Elder Lund's Memorial Service

After scriptures, prayers, breakfast, etc (not in that order)...My companion went across the street to get her hair done, and I begin revising my Bishops presentation, based on the experience with revising the Presidents presentation. I also saw the dono - Senhor Costa - to get some help on getting a phone, if he can. He said maybe he could, that he knew the engineer in charge. Then we went to Porto - the memorial service for Elder Lund.

Steve Lund, grandson of Marie Moore, our friend from Tucson, and nephew of Lynn Elrey (or maybe it's Marshall's grandson - anyway there's a connection there somewhere). Marian has brought hugs and kisses to Portugal for him from Marie. We went to the memorial service to report to Marie and Marshall. It was held at the Foz chapel, and was filled with Elders and Sisters who had come with him from the MTC - the big group of 18! And those who had been his companion. We went, although we weren't invited, just because we wanted to.

It was a good service. President Alaino de Silva spoke, Sister Copeland spoke, and President Copeland spoke. Songs were from the hymnal. All was in Portuguese. Pictures were taken. Bunch of tears shed. No one wanted to leave when it was over. And.... Today the carnival started in Arifova!!!!

A world of courage—A world of Faith

A world of devotion—A world of Love

That's my Marian. And if everyone in this world were 

like her—we'd be well into the Millenium! I 

am most privileged just to be allowed to remain with her.

I reworked my Presidents presentation today—based on my experience w/ Pres. Benídio. That was a good meeting last night but I saw some places to improve and refine. He was the easy President anyway—he has been (and still intends to be) institute teacher and supervisor of Porto seminaries. He's solid behind everything I prepare. We prepared and studied all day. The Village of Arrifana has begun decorating for some celebration, the gypsies are still enconced up the road, we're chasing mosquitos—keep getting bit, Lydia and Paulo still aren't back w/ our laundry—should have come Monday. Life goes on....

There will be a memorial Friday at the Foz Chapel for Elder Lund. We prepped good today for the preparation tonight w/ Pr Benídio of the Matosinhos Stake. We picked up film at the Continente, plus some other stuff, and had a good meeting w/ Pr. Benídio. First time at the Foz chapel. It's a re-done mansion, and still has the look of a mansion. The gardens are great. 3 stories, beautifully stained-glass windows and all. A good ride home, because we're officially launched. Appointment set for the 21st to meet w/ bishop of the stake.

Missionary Death

Things today got a lot more sober. We found out this evening that one of our Elders died yesterday. Elder Steven Lund, zone leader at Aveiro, died in Coimbra hospital. We were told that Sunday he had a stroke, they took him to Coimbra to the university hospital. Monday he died! Transferred—just that quickly! Don't know more details. he was due to go home in 2 weeks. He was grandson of Marie Moore—Lynn Elrey's nephew. We had met him here, and talked to him a couple of times—the latest on Friday last—the mission conference. It's a sad/happy and sobering time. It's hard on those remaining—but to be assured of Life Eternal? That's not so bad!!

This was a day of further preparation for our presentations. We went in to Porto to see Xavier—get some stats and things from him, because our Lisbon shipment isn't here yet! Got lost again going across the Dom Luis bridge!—darn it! That always really blows my day! He had just talked to Brother Rocha of Lisbon Distribution. The new car—the Renault—will not be available until August 2nd Week. They can get an Opel Kadett right now—we'll have it next week—with air conditioning! I told him we'll take the Opel. He said what color—I said any color but white. Marian says she's sick of white. OK. Tried to go to the Continente again to get pictures and one or two other things—jammed crowded again, so we didn't even drive in! Feira day at São João  again, so all was crammed crowded here. Elders came in the evening to do reports and such.

Trip to Barcelos

Cool again—and foggy. A light rainy fog this time. We read our scriptures, studied first, then mailed 13 letter of my epistle to the family, went to the mercado for fruits, vegetables and bread, then went to Porto—P Day! A really nice steak dinner at the Chapmans, then off to Barcelos. The ride through the countryside was fabulous. So green you can't describe it. We took a lot of pictures—churches, vineyards, small lanes, a windmill, panoramas—whenever we felt like it. The road was small, winding and fun. When we got to Barcelos, we found a treat! An old Gothic Bridge across the Rio Cávado—a good-sized river. A big fortress on the north bank. We took a bunch of pictures in and around the fortress and its cemetery. Downtown a lovely park w/ well-manicured flower gardens. We shopped a little—got a plate of the Barcelos Cock—the legend tells the story of it.

As can be seen, it's a legend, but is a national symbol, and we were there. It was fun. Lots of traffic coming back, and we shopped a Continente, took Chapmans home, tried a new way out and got thoroughly lost, and led out again. Home at 8:30. Tired. Journal and study awhile and off to bed.

Sabbath Day Trip

The Sabbath. A lot of study, Sacrament Meeting—actually it also was testimony meeting. Some real nice testimonies were borne by the members and 2 or 3 missionaries here. I bore mine! I could understand everything most of them said—part of what the other 2 said! It's coming—I sure pray a lot that I'll be able to understand this people. I had better finality w/ the speaking than before, too. Took a nap. In the late afternoon we took a drive. We went through Escapães to Feira, then thru Curujães to the Oliveira de Azeméis road and back. Study and journal and talk time in the evening. This has been a foggy morning, sunlit afternoon, then the fog settling back in after sundown. Cool and nice. We are hoping it would stay this way.....

A Crash Day

A crash day. Marian still not back to full-speed, and yesterday was another though one. I spent part of the day producing the epistle on the next page. We mailed it out to close family. Lydia and Paula stopped by for laundry. Study. that about it!!

Porto Mission Conference

Baked potatoes, Marian got her hair done, we took Elders Larsen and Peter w/ us and went to Porto for the Mission Conference. It was a grand day. Elder Lasater, Sister Ardeth Kapp, President of the Young Women, and sister Julie Anderson of the Relief Society board were visiting, so all the Porto Missionaries came. All 164 of us! It was neat to see one we'd seen before, meet new ones, watch them greet each other. A barbeque dinner, then a 3-hour conference. Then a 2 hour Auxiliary leaders' conference. Then a 2½ hour priesthood leadership meeting. It all took 'til 11:15. By the time we left, took Chapmans home and got to S J da Madeira, it was after 12:30. Tired, but journal-writing and read Susan's letter once more (we got today). A real good day. Sister Kapp is magnificent—I told her so! I was real proud too of Sister Copeland—she's a real dandy. So's President. Elder Lasater paid them both a great compliment. Said they were the best mission president in the Church. Maybe they are! Elder Lasater said goodbye. He's had this territory for 2 years. Now he'll be area president in S.E.USA. He gave me one last charge—get every youth in Portugal in Seminary and see that they graduate! I asked him if I had to stay until I got it done? He said, "You wouldn't leave a job half finished, would you?" Sheeesh! Big report is on next page -->.

Seminary Budget and Sick Marian

Marian's worse. the cold settled in her lungs and she has asthma. Plus the throat problem. This morning some laryngitis. We got some anti-biotics from Sister Parkinson, whose dad is a doctor and who sent her over here w/ 1½ year supply of all kinds of medicine. We worked all morning  on the Seminary budget we had to make up, then ran into Porto before the bank closed to câmbio (change) some money. Then to Xavier's office to turn in the budget, then home. She's feeling real rotten. Evening Marian wrapped potatoes for baking tomorrow, while I made up my June mileage and a reimbursement voucher to send. Got a letter from K and Jay. P.S. She rode the elevator again!

Interview with President and a Split with the Missionaries

In to Porto early, so the traffic tie-up. Real slow from the last V.N. Gaia ramp, across the Arrábido to the circle, then OK. We rode the elevator up to Xavier's office (hadn't taken her athritis pills) and had a good meeting w/ him. Lunch w/ Chapmans after we mailed Donna's package, at a nice little place by the praça (square). Had a good interview w/ Pres. Copeland, and Sister Copeland gave us some potatoes to bake for Friday, the Mission Conference. Home and go to work on the budget I've got to turn in tomorrow. About 7:30 Elders Côrte-Real and Bradford came by and asked us to go on a split—they had too many appointments and not enough help. We said "of course" and went at 8:15 w/ Côrte-Real to a family scheduled for baptism this Friday. It was a neat experience for us. The father, mother and 4 daughters were so very nice and shy. 5th discussion—10 Commandments, Fasting, Law of Tithing. Home late and happy. (I'll finish the budget tomorrow.)

Trip to Porto

Shopping at São João mercado (market), then in to Porto. Crossed the Dom Luis bridge and thru central Porto. What a drive!! But we made it, w/ several frustrations on one-way streets and construction and the help of a new, better map! Worked at mailing Donna's package, then to the Continente for some stuff. Got some film out and they were good. Some of the MTC, some of Mary Ellen's family, a couple of birthdays at Susan's—McKay and Lindsay—a couple of castle shots at Feira, and such. The gypsies that were camped up the street left and we got pictures. Marian's going downhill again on that cold of hers, which has settled in her lungs.

Marian, My Companion

Joseph's B-Day—Love that boy!!

Slept in. 'Til 8:15! Got up, had breakfast, started the day, then went down again for a couple of hours! Tired! Finally, got going about noon on the things necessary of the day. Marian is chipper, and did a washing and seems fine. She's just about over the cough from her cold, and is feeling better than she has for a couple of weeks. She's beautiful, and such a faithful companion. She knows just how to take me w/ my moods and help me with the bad ones and move me to a better one. She's extremely dedicated to our mission, and does her part and more. I look for success on this mission, with the help of the Lord, but if failure comes, it will be mine, not hers! Wrote letters to Pres. McCook and José Castro, CES in Lisbon. they were both very helpful yesterday. Studied, got lazy again after supper, felt regenerated. I'll really hit it tomorrow!!

A Day in Lisbon

Early start for Lisbon. We left at 6:00. It took 3 hours to get to the city itself, 1 hour more to find the chapel at Oeiras. Reason was that I lost my concentration, looking at sights, and missed a turn-off. by the time we realized it, we were kilometers from the right road, and no idea where it was nor where we were! So, we started going where we thought best! With the help of the Spirit and 2 policeman, we looked as we drove by, and there was the chapel! 10:05 (The Sunday beach-goers had slowed us down real bad, too)! We sat in the foyer and listened to conference and the children yelling and playing, and the young men talking loudly all about us. (These people, by our standards, can be very rude—especially their children and youth.) Our first impressions of Lisbon was—big. And confusing. At conference: We saw Jolinda McCook come in with her kids and Sally Traynor and her kids. Kisses all around. We saw Parkers sitting in the chapel. Several missionaries introduced themselves.

The Oeiras Stake was organized by Elder Asay and Elder Hillam, and the Lisbon Stake was reorganized. the president of the Lisbon was sustained as president of Oeiras, and one of his counselors became president of Lisbon. After conference it was bedlam. The Parkers were glad to see us, a recent missionary in Matosinhos—Elder Augusto—was greeting us again. José Castro introduced himself to us. Dean McCook introduced us to Elder and Sister Asay. Then we followed Sister McCook's van to the mission home. Nice place! A mansion in Algír. We had a nice lunch, talked a lot to Traynors, who are visiting, and McCooks. Traynors are all caught up with cultural, historical and tourist things. They were curious about the North of Portugal.

At 4:30 José Castro came to the Mission Home and Pres. McCook and I had a meeting w/ him. We got my (our) mission explained—I hope to his satisfaction—and Pr McCook had some good instructions. Pr McCook has been thinking and planning on this CES work a long time, and has a lot of ideas going. He wants Seminary as part of his 3-prong program over here. His 3 main points are: Seminary, Home Teaching, and Stake Missions. (That's not to ignore other programs but he feels this is where the saints can make their greatest impact at this time. All these would be important in the drive of the saints in Portugal to get their temple!! Putting Seminary in there, he sees as the salvation of the youth! I do to. He also has the drive and the opportunity to get something done about it. At 8:00 we had a leadership encounter w/ the 6 members of the 2 new stake presidencies in Lisbon, at the Lapa chapel. Elder Hillam, regional representative, and Pr McCook instructed. Pres. McCook started his description of the program he's developing, turned it over to me to describe "Circles of Exaltation" to them. (Marian said I did good). We stayed until 9:00, then started home. Dean drew us a map of how to get to the freeway. From there it was just grind it out. Lisbon is a European city. By that, I mean it has plenty of cobblestones, narrow streets, hills to climb, close encounters, etc. But it's more modern than Porto. There are wide roads and the downtown is more open and like we would expect. Our trip to the freeway was a lot like a trip through a strange southern California town town—in fact, the whole countryside reminds me of Southern California. Lost is the very verdant landscape of the North. More open, not so hilly, woodlands of eucalyptus, not pine. (Although the North has lots of eucalyptus and the South has pines—but the predominance is there.) We went on the freeway to its end, then beat through the towns, narrow roads and turns and curves that characterize estrada (freeway) traffic. Lots of traffic. Lots of trucks and busses. Many, many cars and such headed back to Lisbon on a Sunday night. It was very hard driving for 3 hours, 15 minutes. Past the castles at Leiria and at Pombal. They were both lit up. (We'll visit them some day.) The freeway started up again before Coimbra. I'm real glad—don't think I could've taken much more of the 2-way traffic. The rest was a breeze—on to the Feira exit and in to our town. There was a light fog, the streets and roads from the freeway almost deserted. It was good to get home. We collapsed.

At Home Most of Day

At home most of day. A little shopping—mostly for Donna, a box full of goodies. She likes that. While we were out we went by the Church, and they had a letter for us—from Mary Ellen. She sent a father's day card. That was so nice. Love that girl. Also a nice letter telling is the news from there. Boy, we needed that! We also got to haul Sis. Moura and Parkinson downtown—found them walking along the street (Sister Mish got transferred to Matosinhos). Sis Parkinson has real sore feet, and she'd better take care of them! Elder Larsen and Elder Bradford got me settled on my travesty yesterday at the Post Office. To write a receipt the P.O. has to have an organization ID number. I got the number from E. Bradford. On the money order (vale postal) they send them to the recipient—I don't! Strange custom but I'll live through it. Basked in the letter for the 3rd time. got out the other letters we've received since arrival and re-read them. I'm not homesick. I don't get homesick. I just like to re-read letters! Shined my shoes, cleaned the car, got ready for our big trip to Lisbon tomorrow.

A Bad Day

A bad day. I don't even want to discuss it. I got put down bad in my attempt to get a money order and a receipt for stamps (see, I can't even write about it.). Marian put up with me, tho. I got some good stuff done, but on the scales, this has to come out a bad day. And it's Friday and all the young noise-makers in S.J.M. are riding the roads!

A Day with the Chapmans

Up early and get ready, then go to Porto to pick up the Chapmans. The freeway though Vila Nova de Gaia was clogged up, as usual. Took us about ½ hour through the mess this time—better than yesterday! Boy, I hate to go to Porto in the mornings! We got Chapmans, then came back to Santa Maria da Feira and toward the castle. What joy!! How neat! This is an 11th Century castle, and a beauty—not pretty, but a beauty. We climbed ramparts and squeezed up tower stairs and packed at the potty and everything. Took a bunch of pictures, but I've got to go back with my big camera, which needs batteries. Lunch here at home, then a tour of S.J.M.—especially the plazas downtown, where we shopped a bit and bought a vase—a pretty one for flowers. We took them home up highway #1 through the towns, shopped at Continente, home to a dull evening. I didn't feel like working—was desanimado (down, as in feeling down) for some reason.

2 Good Meetings

Barbara's B-Day! Happy B-Day Barb!!!

Worked in the office all morning on supply orders and translating. At noon we shopped a bit then went to Porto for work in the office there and a 2:00 meeting with the SJ Madeira District presidency Côrte-Real, Bradford and me and President Copeland, then a 3:30 meeting with President Copeland and Marian and me. 2 good meetings. We took the Chapmans home, then a pleasant drive home. Lydia and Paulo brought our laundry back, and we talked for almost 2 hours. Church progress, patriarchal blessings, work, etc. I felt blessed with some help in communicating. I need a great blessing in that department. Went to bed late again.

Lisbon Stake Dividing and Letters

A 10:00 meeting with Xavier Dias, Portugal North Seminary supervisor. It was very successful, with good discussion of the graduation last Saturday, we called Lisbon and Frankfurt about our new car—talked with Brother Konig (?) and found that a Renault 19 has been ordered (no air! I put in a big play for air, and maybe it will come that way.). It should be here in a couple or three weeks. We worked at the mission office on our presentation—transparency stuff mostly and had a quick meeting with President Copeland. He reported on his weekend in Madrid, and on his traveling with President McCook of the Lisbon Mission. He said to call McCook, that the Lisbon Stake was being divided Sunday by Elder Asay, and we are to be invited to the occasion!! So I called them. He sounded great and asked us to be there for the 10:00 Conference session where the Oeiras Stake will be organized, stay for dinner with his family, Elder Asay, the Traynor family from Tucson who is visiting the McCooks. It's be great! We'll leave early in the morning and return that night.

Also we got from Susan and her family—5 letters and Donna's! It sounded so good—we really needed that! Letters have been slow coming, and my companion was getting pretty low about it. The Hansens reported all is well! It took 18 days for that letter to get here! So much for the 2½ week turn-arounds! And she still hadn't received our letter of the 22nd! We worked through the evening and went to bed later.

A Work Day at Home

A work day; clothes washing and prepare presentation; assembling things. Marian feeling much better—a real blessing that the cold hasn't turned into full-blown asthma, neither sinusitis. We feel very blessed. We worked hard all day here at home.

Faith Paid Off

Well, up and decision time. What do we do—go for medicine or exercise our faith? We've received blessings that we'll have health. We gave Marian a priesthood blessing, now she doesn't seem to be better. We decided to "let go of the bush." She slept in awhile, then we went to Sacrament Meeting at S.J. Madeira. It was lovely. We enjoyed it very much. She made her usual great hit with the members. We came home—she slept most of the afternoon, then cooked a nice porkchop dinner and we spent the evening writing. She feels much better, and looks like Faith paid off.

A Strange Day

At the end of the day, Marian and I loked at eachother and said "Strange Day!" Aires' came, and the Elders—Côrte-Real and Bradford, and the end of Aires' stay ocurred. A transfer meeting, where Côrte-Real became acting district president. President Aires gave much instruction and finalized a couple of reports. They broke up about 11:15. President and Sister Aires were so kind and thoughtful. He gave me a keychain from Mozambique to remember him by. they say they're going to South Africa for 3 months to be with their family and get them into the Church. But she says they won't be back. I think not. Someday, they say, they'll come to the U.S. and mke a "grande passeio" (big trip). Maybe so. It would be good to see them again. This morning they drove on to Porto to leave their car—it's a mission car—then catch the train back to Coimbra and finish up with their home and stuff, then off to South Africa on Monday.

Marian and I went to Porto to attend the Seminary graduation of the Porto and Matosinhos Stakes, the São João da Madeira and Vila Real districts. About 40 Institute and Seminary graduates. We waited around a lot. And it was hot. Finally lunch, well prepared by the sister teachers, more waiting, then the graduation at 3:20. I won't go into a lot of detail here. It was not like our graduations back home! And it was hot. Very slow, unorganized giving of diplomas and certificates. A testimony meeting. 3 talks. Then a super-Saturday scripture tournament! Unbelievable! We went past 6:00 pm! I don't know just how long they went, because we were pulled out of the meeting! But first—the people at the meeting were fabulous. Such love. Such patience. So kind and gentle with one another. I'm speaking of the Portuguese in the Church—they are like a family, brothers and sisters—really! I love 'em.

We were interrupted in the meeting by Elder Roberts, of the mission's office staff, coming into the graduation meeting at 6:15 and asking our help. He had an emergency with a missionary, and had to get in touch with the APs—assistants to the mission president (President Copeland left this morning for Madrid, meetings with all stake, mission and district leaders in Spain and Portugal—April Conference stuff from the area presidency). So Elder Roberts needed the APs. We were handy, and we have a car, and he needed to go find the APs at the beach at Foz—where they were going to do some baptisms in the ocean. We took off in a blur, with Elder Roberts calling the turns, to go to the Foz and find the baptism. We went, and we tried. We went up and down the beach-front for half an hour until we gave up and changed location. Just as we were changing to get a look somewhere else, he saw the APs van go by—the other way, and we were just starting around a circle—by the time we get lined out and following the van, they were way ahead. We gained steadily , losing them, then spotting them again, and finally got to them, honked them down. There was another car with them— Elder Sumner had his car there—full. Roberts had a quick talk with Elder Carneiro and Dunford—APs—Sumner and Carneiro took off in Sumner's car, 2 Elders—Dunn and Woodhouse got in with us, and away we went following the van to a baptism! A thunderstorm struck—hail and hard rain, still we followed that van! through old Porto, down streets I couldn't recognize nor ever find again. Through a tunnel, under bridges, out beyond the city and up the Douro River to a secluded place down on the river. We parked, waded through underbrush, mud, and over rocks, and baptized 3 young boys! Present: Sister Gibson and me, Sister Parkinson, Rickabough and Tietjan, Elders Dunford, Roberts, Dunn, Woodhouse. Plus a young girl who must have been someone's sister. The skies were lowering, thunder all around us, but not a drop of rain! The Douro was dark from the low clouds and sunset coming on. The river is about a quarter-mile wide, and deep enough for room—going stuff—buoys marking the channel and all. White houses with red-tile roofs up the hillside beyond. I've gotta go back for a picture! Well after the baptism we took Roberts and Jensen back to the mission office, then headed for home. It was late—9:30 or so when we got home. Unusual day. And, my sweetheart companheiro (companion) was sick the whole way—this cold is hanging on real fierce! I'm afraid it'll go to her lungs and cause a big problem.

2 Important Letters

Marian sick with a bad cold. I gave her a blessing. We stayed in all day, except I ran down and mailed 8 letters. My epistle+. Worked all day in the office getting my CES stuff in order, preparing for Elder Lasater's letter of authority to do all we've been called to do. Late afternoon, the bell rang. It was the Elders with a letter from Elder Lasater, and one even more important—from John. Real, real welcome. He reported on the family. Donna was there for a week. He's working too hard, but I understand that. The kids and Barb are well. OK. Elder Lasater's letter. I'll put in my book here—a copy. Now we can move. Marian seemed to feel much better in the evening.

Real Slow Day

This was a real slow day. I finished the epistle to my grandchildren. Had a trouble with the bathroom light and finally got it working again. Marian has a cold, or a serious infection or something. The gypsies moved on. got a letter from Gwen. My epistle is on the next page.

Zone Conference and Gypsies

Zone meeting at 10:00. That means São João da Madeira, Santa Maria da Feira, Oliveira de Azeméis and Ovar. I think there was 20 of us there. Elders Côrte-Real took charge, he and Elder Bradford. The APs—Dunford and Carneiro (?) —arrived in about an hour. We stayed for an hour. Song, prayer, D&C 4, scripture chase, presentations, other workshops. We left for lunch. Came back for the end, talks from several, and each of us talk. I did badly—my language wouldn't work. We all went out by the statue and got our pictures taken together. The Elders came to the office at our apartment and did some District work. Evening we walked thru the mato (jungle) behind our place, and it was nice—a real nice wooded area. On the way down the hill we noticed some gypsies—ciganos—had moved into a vacant lot up the street. A little gypsy camp—4 ____, two carts, a tent, 2 dogs, 2 men, an old and a young woman and a little girl. Dirty, made your heart hurt for them. But it's their way of life here. They'll be here a day or two or a week, then off they'll go. I wrote an epistle to my grandchildren, telling them who they are and how to act and how to be happy. I felt prompted to do it. I hope it makes a difference.

Meetings with the Presidents

Elders Corte-Real and Bradford were here part of the morning and afternoon working on the district books. Late afternoon we went to Porto again to a 5:30 appointment with President Copeland. We went over our progress and plans quite thoroughly. Then a final meeting with President Aires and President Copeland, before the Aires go to South Africa. Sort of a de-briefing on the state of the district. We all had dinner then at the mission home. That was real nice. A late ride home—the fog was coming in from the ocean and becoming misty on the auto-estrada (highway) and through the forest trees along the way—real nice! Few cars on the road. Our road from the auto-estrada to São João da Madeira was lovely and I loved it. It's beautiful at night, too.

An Epistle to the Grandchildren

Dear Grandchildren:

(I want to write this letter to my grandchildren. Each of my children could see that they receive it, and maybe could copy this so each could have one. Even the real little kids. I've wanted to write this for a long time. Now seems to be the right time.).

You grandma and I are a long ways away, because the Lord, through His prophet, asked us to come here to the Land of Portugal. We wouldn't have done this, except for that reason. We love each of you very, very much, and it is very hard to leave you and be so far away for so long. But the Lord's work is very important, and each of us must help with it, as we are called. We must help with it because we are His saints, and it is our honor to serve Him. When we serve our fellow men, we are serving Him.

Each of you, as you grow and reach the age, will be called to serve Him—the Lord. Each of you boys will be called to serve a mission someplace, maybe close by, maybe far away. But each boy will be called to serve a mission, and he must prepare for that day. Your preparation comes each day. You are preparing each day at home, at school, at church, wherever you are. You are preparing each day for your life, and I hope you are preparing right. I hope you are building strong bodies, minds and spirits, for if you serve the Lord, you must be strong. Primary, Sunday School, Priesthood Quorums, Seminary, Home and School are all places to build strong. Honoring and obeying your parents is important, if you are going to do what the Lord wants, for your parents are in the place of authority right now, just as Heavenly Father is the highest authority. He wants you to learn to obey your parents, for that is really obeying Him.

Each of you girls must understand those same things, for some of you will also be called to missions away from home, and all of you will be called to serve in many capacities in the church and in the community. The Heavenly Father loves each of His daughters with a very special love. He wants you each to learn the things that good women learn—about caring for a family, and running a home. Each of your mothers is a great home-maker, and each one is outstanding at running a family. You must each learn from your mother all you can.

Your grandmother and I are very proud of each of you, as well as being very proud of your moms and dads. Each of our own children, except our special daughter, married a fine, good, loving man or woman. We love our sons-in-law and daughters-in-law as much as we love our own sons and daughters. These men and women—your moms and dads—are honorable people. They are the best people on this earth. I promise you that among those great spirits that Abraham saw, who were ready to dome to earth, were your moms and dads. they have come to earth with special instructions. One of their most important assignments is to bring you into the world, under the covenant of the Lord, and raise you up to be all that the Lord wants you to be. Then you, in your turn, are to do all that you've been instructed to do for the Lord. For each of you, too, were part of that group of noble and great ones seen by Abraham (Remember all you do for the Lord you are really doing for yourself.). So, the message here is, obey your parents. They are worthy of your love and respect.

As you obey your parents, it is also important that you love your brothers and sisters. Your family was seen by you before you were born—you knew who your brothers and sisters would be and you happily accepted them. That's part of your fore-ordination. You must learn to love them and serve them. In fact, that's the way you get to love people—by serving them! So, do things for your family. Help them and be with them. If one is having trouble, pitch in and help that one. The Heavenly Father set up the family as the number one training place for His children.

I want you to know something that happened yesterday. Your grandmother and I went to a branch conference in a little branch of the Church in the nearby city of Aveiro. When we got to the church we found it was just a little rented place in a line of shops on a side street. When we got out of our car, we were hit by the loud, loud noise of a loud speaker of an amusement center just across the street. Such a noise, on Sunday, and at our sacrament meeting time, too. There were six or eight members and elders outside, and we greeted them. We went inside and started the meeting. There were about about forty people there. We and the district presidency were visitors, so we sat on the stand. As the meeting went on, I looked at those choice people—pioneers for the Lord in their land of Portugal—and my heart swelled within me. I longed to hold each one close and tell them how important they are! the sacrament was more meaningful as it went around. The boy who passed it was so earnest and humble. The branch president was a fine-looking Portuguese man. He will be the stake president one day, right there in Aveiro. the young woman who led the singing wore jeans, and no one seemed to notice. They sang off-tune with no instrument to accompany, and it sounded beautiful.

I was called upon to speak, and I told them that it was that way when the Savior walked the earth—just a few humble saints meeting in an upper room. There were lots of street noises to distract. The seats were wooden or stone. No air conditioning. Just saints clustered together for mutual support and reinforcement against the hordes of unbelievers. That's how it was in the days of the Savior.

I told them that the future saints in Portugal would look back at them with awe and respect, for they are the Lord's pioneers in their land (Forty years ago in Brazil we had only 600 saints in the entire country. We met in stores and homes. We clustered together for strength and gospel brotherhood. We used dinner plates and table glasses for sacrament service. Now in that same Brazil there are 57 stakes, 331 wards, 101 branches, and 10 missions. Also in São Paulo stands a Temple of the Lord. 250,000 members of the Church live there.). That's why I see these Portuguese saints as true pioneers. And soon they'll be strong as now Brazil is.

I write you this story so each of you will see how great and important is each soul to our Heavenly Father. Each early member here in Portugal is important. Future generations of saints here will building the foundation laid by these people now. they will class them blessed. Each member of your family is important. YOU are important. The things you've been fore-ordained to do must be done by you. Then you will be called blessed. You might be the only Mormon in your school class, or own your block. You might have to stand real tall, and stick up for your beliefs when it isn't easy to do it. You might have to do your duty to the Lord when other kids are off playing. "Obedience is the first law of heaven"—the Prophet Joseph Smith said that. Whether you stand alone or in a group, you must always do what's right, because you are a covenant child of God.

I want you each to be happy. I want you each to enjoy the fulness of happiness. That can only come to a righteous person. As Alma told one of his sons, "Wickedness never was happiness", So choose the right, whenever a choice is before you. Know this: You will never be given a commandment by the Lord you can't keep. He gives no commandments we can't keep. You will receive no temptation you can't overcome. If you do wrong it's because you have chosen wrong—it's not because you can't do right! So remember obedience, and remember who you are at all times. You are the salt of the earth. You are the cream at the top. You are a keeper of the covenant.

Now finally, just a word about your grandma Gibson. She is a lovely woman, as each of you know. I lover her dearly, and I know each of you do too.As she and I go about to these meetings with the members, I see the children of Portugal looking at your grandma as if they were seeing an angel. The women smile at her and keep looking, unable to take their eyes off her. She is making a great impact on these members. She is a good woman, and it shows in everything she does and in every smile she gives. The children lover her at first sight. She is a great model for the women.

Your grandma became this kind of woman because she's always tried her best to do what's right and what the Heavenly Father sent her here to do. And you can be that same lovely kind of person by doing what she has done—being obedient in all things, honoring her parents even until death, being always where good people are, and defending the right. She's been a faithful wife and mother, a fun companion, a friend whenever a friend was needed, a quiet and gentle influence on her family. She is firm and true. Your grandma can be one of your ideals—one of your patterns for your life.

She loves each of you deeply. So do I. I pray that the Lord will always be with you and bless and protect you—I pray for that with every prayer. I pray for your happiness. That's why I've written this to you each, although it's not don'e very well, and it hasn't been easy doing it. Stay very close to your family, and to the Lord, and in a little more than a year, close to us again, too. Until then, remember us in your prayers (Now go kiss everyone in our family, and do it again every day!).

Your grandpa Gibson,

Who will always love you,

Downtown São João da Madeira

We went downtown—here in S.J.M.—and bought picture frames for our family's pictures, then walked around there. An interesting city center—they've closed off parts of about 4 or 5 streets and made sidewalks and praça (square, as in town square) and are building a tall monument. All the sidewalks are made of colored paralelopipedos (cobblestone)—we need a picture of them, and the area. Then we went to Porto to see President Copeland, but he wasn't in. The Chapmans were having a P-Day, so we didn't get a lot done. We went to Continente and shopped, so the trip wasn't wasted (It wouldn't have been wasted anyway—we have no phone yet, so communication is tough. And, we were really out of stuff.). Evening I wrote letters.

A Much Happier Day

Sweet Katy's birthday. How I love her! Off to Aveiro to district conference. We went down the old road, so saw some new towns. The conference was nice—a small turn-out. I spoke, and did better than before. I also could understand better than before. A real answer to fasting and and prayer, because I have been very discouraged at not being able to comprehend and communicate. It was much better. We drove home down the auto-estrada (highway), and got home quickly. A little nap, a lot of study, and off to the 5:00 pm meeting at the branch. First time to a branch meeting there (Next Sunday we can go to the morning meetings). Just a handful of people—it was a make-up sacrament-taking meeting. But it's good to meet with the members anytime in any numbers. Back home and dinner and the evening. We studied some, sang songs, wrote in journals, and went to bed. A much happier day! I received a blessing! I'm full of gratitude.

District Meetings and Reports

We took a little drive in to the country, mailed letters and went to a district meeting with all the branch presidents. It was hot and stuffy in that room! After, President Aires and his wife, Elders Corte-Real and Bradford and a couple of Elders from Águeda came to the apartment and worked on district reports. Marian graciously fed them sandwiches.

Our First Letter from Home

Got our first letter round trip to São João da Madeira. It was from Jerri, Reina and Jacob. How great! They sounded so good. Now we know the timing better on mail—we'll see about about 10 days Portugal-Arizona and 7 days Arizona-Portugal. That's the program! 2½ week turn-around for questions and answers! I worked all day on my presentation to Stake and District Presidents and Marian helped a lot. It looks good! At night I wrote 4 letters to two bishops and 2 stake presidents—Chandler and Huntington  Beach. Marian turned out a big wash in the bathtub and garment washer.

Business in Porto

Took stuff to the laundry first thing, then back to Porto. Met with Xavier Dias and his wife to sort out the reimbursement and supply situation. A really nice couple! Worked at the office some and went to eat with Chapmans. I didn't like the place on the food, but the company was great! Came home for the 1st time down the old road—not the freeway! It was slow and truck-infested, but we saw some new territory, and we did a good job of finding São João da Madeira. The Aires and the missionaries were here when we returned, getting out reports. They didn't leave 'til 7:30. Dinner. A walk. A talk. Journals.

Noisy Plumbers

Stayed home, washed, planned our presentations. The pistoleiro (plumber) came with his 2 workmen, tore out the garment-washer and fixed the water problem for the loja (store) underneath our apartment. They no sooner finished then the street began being torn up by workmen for a water line or something. Que barulho! Noisy! Wrote letters to Sister Harris and Elder Peterson—my MTC teachers. I told them I would!

Interview in Porto

In to Porto and a good interview with President Copeland. He wants us to get ready and go up north here, then in 6 months or so go to the Lisbon Mission. I don't know if Dean McCook will wait that long! He gave us some more good ideas, and got me reanimado (re-excited). While we were waiting for the President, some men came into the office and introduced themselves. They were real estate and chapel construction people from Lisbon. what a coincidence—and what an old-looking guy! I'm glad I don't look that old!

At 1:00 we went to Chapmans place for lunch, then a drive down to the ocean at Matosinhos. We looked at the ocean, saw some overweight types getting some sun, and took a couple of pictures. Back at Chapmans. I got a history lesson from Sister Teixeira. We came home pooped!

Letter from Europe Area Presidency

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

Europe Area Presidency

Porthstrasse 57, Postfach 500162, D-6000 Frankfurt am Main 90

6 June 1989

Elder and Sister

Robert E. Gibson

Urbanizaçao Mato do Corgo

Edifício Costa 1°, Dto, Apt. 389

Outeiro - Arrifana

3700 São João da Madeira

Dear Elder and Sister Gibson:

We are delighted to welcome you to the Europe Area and specifically to Portugal! As a missionary couple with a church education assignment you will find the challenge to be interesting and rewarding. We cannot over-emphasize the importance of you mission and teh urgent need we have in Portugal to provide effective seminary and institute programs that youth and young adults will want to attend. The purpose of this letter is to share our thoughts with you regarding your assignment.

We know you will enjoy working under the general direction of President Dan Copeland. He will look after your needs, counsel with you and involve you as part of his missionary family. However, your assigned responsibilities extend to all of Portugal except for the islands in the Azores and Madeiras. First and foremost you will want to be missionaries and share the gospel with the wonderful people of Portugal as time and circumstances permit. The most compelling use of your time however must go to the following:

1. Training and motivation of priesthood leaders: Perhaps a letter to each stake and district president introducing yourselves and seeking an opportunity to meet with them in one of their presidency meetings would be a good first step. This would be a critical meeting in which the seminary/institute programs could be highlighted, your vision of the program development could be outlined and the support and encouragement of the leaders obtained. Contact with each presidency should continue on a periodic basis to keep the leaders focused on the programs of CES and sharing with them seminary/institute progress within their units.
2. Improving the quality of seminary/institute instruction and activity: Improving the quality of each seminary and institute class will come first through improving the quality of instruction and activity. You have been specially trained to do this. This will be an urgent need in Portugal. You should discuss with the priesthood leaders the need for highly qualified teachers and strive to bring a higher level of stability to these callings. This will greatly enhance the quality within the classroom.
3. Establishing seminary/institute programs in every stake and unit as appropriate: We desire to see these vital programs established in every unit and available to every one of our LDS youth and young adults. It is going quite well in some; not so well in others. If we can properly motivate the priesthood leaders, showing them clearly the blessings of seminary and institute in the lives of their young people, they will lend their support and we can accomplish our goals.
4. Increasing enrollment in seminary/implement institute programs: If the stake and district presidents would sponsor you to visit each ward and branch on a scheduled basis and speak in each unit you could reach most of the families who attend. Another way would have to be found for those less-active. We are sending under separate cover a video entitled "A Message to Parents". This excellent message by Elder Boyd K. Packer on the importance of seminary could be a useful tool during your visits. Increasing enrollment will be a major but very important challenge. The people will respond once they are aware. where institute programs are most urgently needed (mainly the densely populated areas and centers of strength) we would encourage immediate movement to establish institute programs.
5. Utilizing seminary/institute as a proselyting/retention function: Working closely with the mission president and the full-time missionaries we desire to see the CES programs fully utilized as missionary tools. Perhaps with the invitation of the full-time mission president you could assist in training the full-time missionaries to invite investigators of seminary or institute age to visit a class and enroll as an active student. We realize what this can do to assist in conversion, hold the new convert in the Church and provide a more rapid familiarization with the doctrines and practices of the Church.
6. Preparing our youth for missionary service: The church education system offers a significant opportunity to prepare youth for missionary service. We need to work in Portugal to prepare an effective "Missionary Preparation Course" for seminary age students between the ages of 16 and 18 years. As part of you calling it would be wonderful if you could devise such a course to begin at age 16 or 17 blending classroom instruction, scripture study, an interview system by appropriate leaders and practical mini-mission experience with the full-time missionaries. Generally such a preparation course would center on five areas of personal preparation to serve missions; spiritual development, mental, physical, intellectual and financial preparation. If we do this well we can develop an ever-increasing number of very effective missionaries coming from Portugal, and we can get a high percentage of our youth on missions.

Obviously from this outline you can see we have great hopes for a major upgrade of our seminary program in Portugal and the initiation of institute programs where needed to hold our youth and young adults in the Church and prepare them for missionary service.

If you have questions regarding these six suggested areas of focus for your labors in Portugal please direct them to our office in Frankfurt. We wish you success and great happiness in this special calling. May the Lord bless you along the way.

Sincerely,

Europe Area Presidency

cc: Elder Christian Euvrard President Viktor Martins

President Faustino Lopez President Octavio Melo

President Dan Copeland President Aleino da Silva

President Dean McCock President Alexandre Bendido

Visit with President Copeland

The Elders didn't come by this morning, so we went shopping to the mercado (store)—bought fruit, vegetables, flowers and some staples across the street at the small supermercado (supermarket). Then went to Porto. Change money at the bank, buy bread at that super little paderia (bread shop), stop at the mission office to see President Copeland. A good visit. We ended up getting "sold" from that super-salesman—and donated to the mission the money we were seeking reimbursement on!! We set an appointment for tomorrow to further pursue our course, hit the Modelo lightly, for butter and such, and headed for home. The traffic was light, the sun was bright, the countryside gorgeous, and we are grateful for our blessings!! Home and a good meat loaf dinner.

Making the Best of it

Fast Sunday, and so I did. My feelings are such I would have anyway. It might be right here that our mission makes or breaks. Need all the help we can get. We didn't read the scriptures—even forgot our family prayer—and I think that's a first! I was on my own personal knees—both literally and figuratively—a lot during the morning. The Elders came at 10:00 to go to Águedo, but Marian is unable to make the trip—a little sickness and uncertainty. About noon I got out my conference tapes and went inch by inch through President Benson's speech given opening session last April—CR4/89—the title: "Pride." Some of it applied so much to me and the whole talk was super-motivational. I really heard a prophet speak! It lifted my soul to the heights and put it back on course. Late afternoon and evening I put my complaining heart on hold and began drafting letters to priesthood leaders in Portugal. the translation is difficult, but I'll do it, then maybe have Elder Corte-Real fix it better! The evening was busy and fun. We laughed a lot and enjoyed working together. With a loving companion such as Marian, how could anyone fail! We slept peacefully for the first time in 5 nights—no rack band, no rehearsals, no noise, just the friendly sounds of our Portugal to go to sleep by.

A Mixed Day

A mixed day. We still cannot see President Copeland—he seems to have disappeared with his family since the visit of Elder Lasater and Elder Hilliam. It's probably a great idea, but at least it leaves us still somewhat on dead center. We know what we must do, but he needs to define how we're to get there.

The Feira (Market) is in São João today. The area across the street is completely (and overflowing) filled with booths selling every non-perishable one could imagine. Plus a few foods. It comes once per month here. We roamed the area and bought too much. The goods don't seem to be any cheaper than elsewhere. But the traffic—it was horrible. I pulled our car early into the street to park it where we could get out, but we ended up going no place.

Then at night the "concerto rock" bit us. From 10:30 to 4:30—and that's night—pm to am that is—This building shook with the madness of rock music. The amplification was at the peak, the shouting of vocalists at its peak, all the trimmings. And the mob that was here was far more than this little corner of the town could hold. I cannot stand this. I will not.

I know—and it was reconfirmed last night vividly—that Satan is inherent in rock music. He promotes it, influences it and laughs about it. I will not put myself and my wife through an occasion like that again. The Dono must give absolute assurance.

Marian is sick with the diarrhea—has been for 4 days. We won't be able to go to Águeda with the Elders for branch conference tomorrow. This inactivity is getting to me. The beginning is often the low parts. It is this time. Thoughts of home and the important lives there are uppermost in our minds. Discouragement is difficult to cope with.

Errands and Noisy Neighbors

I counted it up today. From May 19, when we first spent money in Portugal, 'til May 31 we spent about $1200. That includes a lot of set-up cost and first and last month rent and such, but wow!! This must settle down.
Rained a bit in the mid-morning, then cleared up all day. Tonight it is clear again. We mailed our mail, picked up our laundry, went to Porto and a papelaria (paper store) and paderia (bread store) at Praça Marquêz do Pombal, picked up photos and delivered them to the mission office and transacted a bit of business there. The Chapmans are assigned there, but Sister Chapman called in sick. We shopped at the Modelo and found Peanut Butter. Knowing she likes and needs peanut butter, we took her a jar of it. Drove by. Visited for just a bit, then returned home. We spent the afternoon getting files organized, studying language and getting better acquainted with this crazy typewriter. Evening journal and gospel study. We're bracing for one more night of NOISE from the music group that practices downstairs 'til wee hours. The Dona says that will end—they have their performance on Saturday (tomorrow). I hope so! We haven't had a full night's sleep for several nights.

1st General Epistle of Robert

Dear Family:

This will be a general epistle so that each of you may read it and understand somewhat how our lives are going, and what is happening. We've now settled into our assignment somewhat, and our living quarters are fairly well set, and we have our direction for the mission ahead. Now, we can really go to work.

We are located in a 2nd-floor apartment in the small city of São João da Madeira, a few miles south of Porto. This countryside is lovely, and John and Barbara can describe to you all how it looks in east Texas—lots of woods, dense underbrush, green, green fields, rolling hills—it is very similar to east Texas. But it is colder—more like San Fransisco, and morning mists and it's rained every day for a week and a half. We're about 15 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, and get its storms. But the people say that summer has very little rain, so we'll see. Our apartment is ____ and the District Office is in one room. We surely have the best place in the mission, except for the mission home. Our town has a lot of cobble-stone streets, rock and brick and plaster homes (wood is scarce and expensive) and most with red-tile roofs and many painted white. They also have lots of tile in the walls of buildings, both inside and out. The streets are narrow throughout Portugal—especially in the cities, and the cars are small. Ours is an Opel Corsa. Gas costs about 70¢/liter, and that's about a quart—expensive! Food costs are about the same as there, and the apartment rent also about like Arizona.

The mission is going great guns, as we've said. The two Portugal missions are turning Europe upside down—the older missions here said it couldn't be done, and now there are more members in Portugal than in any other European or African country except England, France and West Germany (They've all had missionaries for 150 years). These are not brags—just facts! The Area Presidency calls these missions their best, and the missionaries the best anyplace. I agree!!

Elder Lasater of the Area Presidency was here Saturday and Sunday and divided the Porto Stake, creating the Matosinhos Stake teh first stake division in Portugal—historic! To now, the stakes here have been created from mission districts (Lisbon Stake is also up for Division, and Coimbra and a couple in the other mission are almost ready for stakes—there will be 8 stakes here in 9 months! Anyway, Elder Lasater gave us our assignment, finally. He said that ours was the most-mentioned name in the Area Presidency meetings for the past 6 months—that we we're a "pilot" couple (That's better than "guinea-pigs" like we've heard from others) and we're pioneering a method that this Area Presidency is counting on to help the youth stay in the church. "If you are successful, there will be others like you. If you are unsuccessful, we'll have to try another way," he said. His interesting counsel was, "Do not be constrained by obvious realities." He said to make it work! Okay!

We are to meet with, work with and instruct every priesthood leader in Portugal—both missions—to get a radical increase in the numbers of youth into the Seminary program. Right now it's running 12%. Elder Lasater says that they want 85%!! Also to move all one- and three-days-per-week classes to daily classes. He wants more youth activities, even all-Portugal. He told President Copeland (our Mission President) to get us a bigger car because he wants us safe with all the travel.

We also are to have missionaries start teaching Seminary to non-members on the 2nd discussion, and get the kids immediately into Seminary; Have the Seminary class at the baptism. The above, with better training of teachers and keeping them at it longer, should have an effect. The Bishops and Branch Presidents need to work with parents of inactive youth to get them involved. Quite a program, ____.

Well, there is a lot else going on, but we'll have to save it for another time. Hope and pray that all goes well. We love you very much.

Day Indoors

Cold still, but it didn't rain today. We were home again all day, a repeat of yesterday. The pistoleiro (plumber) came and after tearing around the garment-washer verified that its drain was the culprit, and said he'd be back next Wednesday to fix it. OK. More study and preparation. We also wrote 17 letters to family, friends!

Plans, Pistols and Plumbers

Stayed home all day. Working on plans for prosecuting our calling, studying the language and the gospel. the dono (landlord) came and said the ceiling roof underneath our apartment was leaking and he and another guy decided it was the garment-washer in the bathroom. He said he'd bring a "pistoleiro" (gunman) tomorrow. I was relieved to find he was bringing a picheleiro (plumber), not a hired gun! We are waiting for our meeting with President Copeland before reading out further. Still quite cold and rainy.

Meeting with Xavier Dias in Porto

Meeting with Xavier Dias in Porto, but first a trip to the laundry to get sheets and shirts done. We hit a first-rate mess on the auto estrada (highway) on the way in. The traffic was horrible all the way in through Vila Nova da Gaia and up Boa Vista and Constiuiçao! Stops and inching forward. The trip took us nearly 2 hours—more than double what it should. Lots of large trucks. The meeting with Xavier on Seminary matters was much appreciated. I think he felt good about our assignment, and he clarified some areas that needed it. He will be good to work with. We called Faustino in Madrid and cleared the sharing of expenses with CES. On the the mission office, pay our bill, buy a Book of Mormon, etc. Then we tried to find a papeleria (paper store) but couldn't find one open. Some shopping at the Continente, ironing board and kitchen chairs and bakc to SJM. After a good dinner cooked by my sweetheart, we took a walk, then a drive and saw some more country. Book work and study at night.

P-Day with the Chapmans

P-Day. We studied scriptures, English and Portuguese, and got ready, then went to Porto, picked up the Chapmans and brought them back here with us. To show them our place, town, etc. They've not been outside of Porto and its bairros (neighborhoods) before. They loved the countryside as we do. We showed them the apartment, had lunch, and by then it was raining pretty good, so we toured São João da Madeira, then went to Feira and circled the castle. Back to Porto in the hardest rainstorm yet while here—a real gully-washer. We shopped at the Continente and bought some more stuff we need (Will this never end?). Then to their place and soon return home and the rain had mostly stopped. We spent the rest of the day planning our future work—getting settle on what we were and weren't told, what we can and can't do, what we must do next and then next, etc. Lot's of planning goes into our assignment from here on, and we'll need to have a lot of special sit-down sessions.

Porto and Time with Marian

Our 2nd Sunday in Portugal. Up early, picked up Chapmans (after getting a little lost) and followed President Copeland's car and Elder Hilliam's car down to a theatre downtown where conference was held. I never could have found the place alone! The place was quite filled to hear the division and creation of the Matozinhos Portugal Stake. It was thrilling for the people, and for us. As I mentioned previously, this is the first stake division in Portugal. Historic! I enjoyed every minute. Then I tried taking Chapmans home, and got thoroughly lost. Finally worked my way out of it, but wow! Saw some more sights of Porto, tho! Then home, and it rained all afternoon while I caught up my journal and studied. A little short snooze, too! Evening, a long talk with Marian as we set goals and projected what our mission would be and such. The time of quiet with Marian are the most special of all.

State of the Church in Portugal and Specifics of Our Calling

We studied and prepared, then went to Porto for our meeting with Elder Lassiter, of the area presidency. There were a lot of interviews going on, for this is a historic occasion in Portugal. Elder Lassiter is here to divide the Porto Stake—the first stake in Portugal to be divided. 3 stakes have been formed here, but from mission districts. This is the first division—a landmark. Elder Hilliam, the regional representative, is here to assist. We met him first. He used to be a mission president here. He's an orthodontist from Idaho, and has 2 regions there to supervise! Talking to him, he says that in years there will be stakes here if the church doesn't stub it's toe some way. He is merely projecting what's happening into the future. The Lisbon stake is in for division. Setúbal is needing division. Coinbra will be a stake in a year, as will Vila Nova de Gaia and Espinho . São João da Maderia district should go in a year and a half. By then we'll be getting 3 or 4 more in the south mission and coming up again for splits in the Lisbon, Porto, Setúbal and Matozinhos stakes. Give all these stakes splits every 2 years or so, and you get a lot of stakes fast. Portugal is so exciting right now. Elder Hilliam and Lassiter said that we are not only leading Eurpon, but making the rest of Europe start hustling! They are being shown what can be done and getting shaken loose. These 2½ missions are up to 1000 converts per month now, and they are just getting started. It's a thrill to be here and see the dedicated men and women who are getting it done! And ⅓ of the missionaries are Portuguese!

Then our inteview with Elder Lassiter. The forgoing is all a pre-amble to his message to Marian and me. He said he was glad to meet with us finally, that our names were the most-used names in the area presidency meetings for the past 6 months. He said they have had many calls to and from the missionary committee about us. One thing, the committee didn't know how to word our mission call. He said "just word the call anyway you need to. When they get here, we'll tell them what we need." (That explained some of our confusion with the call.) He talked of the above— the great growth in Portugal, and how many of the youth are slipping away. He asked what size car we were driving (we said an Opel Corsa): he said we would have to have a larger one, because we would be traveling all over Portugal and we needed to protect our heath! He wants us to work with every bishop and branch president in Portugal to upgrade the education program—better teachers called and they become more involve with new member youth, more youth taking seminary— he wants 85%! This next year!!— The missionaries are to teach seminary when they teach the discussions and get the non-member youth into Seminary. The class should be at the baptism. There needs to be shown Elder Packer's presentation on Seminary to every ward and branch PEC. We are not to visit homes of members to get there children into Seminary, but may go into non-member homes to encourage children and youth, because we are missionaries. Quorum leaders are to be taught to get member youths' parents enthused about Seminary. He wants activities for the youth, and they may raise funds for these. He'd like to see Portugal-wide activities for Seminary!

How do we do all this? He'll write a letting to each branch president and bishop and tell them we're coming. Keep President Copeland advised of our whereabouts, but feel freee to move about where the Spirit dictates. Contact him anytime (or his successor, Al Chauler!! obey!) but don't call him about chearances or where to go or can we do this or that— President Copeland will be our touch-place.

Elder Lassiter called Marian and me "pioneers". He said we were the first, and he hoped there would be more like us, but that our success and/or experiences would dictate what to do with future education missionaries in Europe. He said we would be carefully watched to see if it can be done. Elder Lassiter gave us to know that much was riding on what comes of our mission. He said "it may take 18 months, and it may take more. Are you prepare to stay 5 years?" He was joking, I'm sure— I hope. He just has to be joking.

We (Elder Chapman and I) attended the Priesthood leadership meeting incidental contact to the Stake Conference. Elder Hillum and Elder Lassiter leaned very heavily upon Portugal sacrificing for the future of the Church. They spoke of buildings needed- needed badly! They need in for 20 a years in Portugal for the next 3 years. They start now. Money is needed, and when a building labor is needed—all must work on the chapels! Sacrifice is needed for time—time to serve in callings, for everyone, time to reach out to neighbors—time to receive the endowments— sacrifice of money, self, time. The a temple will be built. But the Brothern will be watching Portugal for 5 years to see if the Gospel is deep enough in peoples' hearts for a temple. (Some of the above also came out in the Adult Session at 7:00, with Mariam and Sister Chapman joining us.) Between meetings, we rode out and saw where Chapmans live—in Matozinhos nearby—a bairro (neighborhood). They are getting a little apartment fixed up for them in the home of a member. It'll be nice. We bought bread and cheese and sausage for dinner at the Models. Then after the evening meeting Mariam and I drove home, and we had a lot to talk about! Bed came late, and sleep took awhile.

New Stove & Grocery Shopping

This is the day we got our stove hooked up. A real red-letter day! Elder Corte-Real and Elder Bradford came and got me, we went downtown and punched it through. It's surprising how tough it is here to get just a simple thing done! Because stoves aren't sold with the hook-ups, you have to get an electrical controlling stove to make a custom cord to your specifications. Putting the plug on the end is a major job in itself. That hooked up the stove's electric. Then the gas hook-up. A separate place, and they have to make a costume gas line ad fitting. Then get the gas tank. Elder Corte-Real got it all done, however. Marian loves him! Also he ordered us a telephone —you do that at the post office. They said it would take 3 or 4 weeks. In the afternoon Marian and I went to the mercado (grocery store) here in São João. Another experience. It was raining, so we had to hustle with an umbrella. The mercado is in a large building downtown, and when we went in and toured the circle of displays we had all eyes upon us. I'm not used to everybody watching me. We got some fruit, rolls and sliced ham. Then to a small supermercado (supermarket) nearby where we did some more shopping for food. We didn't feel so conspicuous there! This is only the 2nd day since our arrival we haven't been to Porto.

European Outlet Adapter Trials

Got up and plugged in my electric clock—it blew with the new adapters. I tried the other clock and it blew too! I plugged in my old shower to change it, and it blew! It smelled bad—the smell of an over-heating transformer. So, undaunted, I plugged in my new shaver to charge it. It worked, and still is (as of 9:30 pm tonight). One out of 4 isn't bad!

President Aires and his wife came to work here today. They worked all morning and Elder Corte-Real and Bradford came by to also work. In the pm we went to the Continente again. It was a feriado (holiday) and we got into a first-rate mess! Everyone was there. Jam-packed. We got a table and a Portugal clock-radio so we can tell time at night. Also some other stuff. A pleasant trip home together. In the evening we worked on goals and journals, hung up our family B-day chart and such. I got out a little tap player and played Church tapes—first we've had.

New Missionaries in Porto

We did our studying and such, got ready and headed for Porto. Changed the rest of our travelers checks at the Bank Fonseca. Got over $165! Best it's been since these Elders have been here! Then went to the mission home to meet the new missionaries arriving —the Chapmans, Sister Parkinson, Elder Weymouth, to Portuguese Elders—Amaro and Porto. A fine bunch! The two APs ate with us too at lunch. Then the new people went down for a nap and we returned to São João da Madeira for our own work. The Elders and Sisters all came by just as we were getting ready for leaving to go back. Good to see our own group. It rained on us going back, and we should have had taken an umbrella. The evening meal at the mission home was a feast, and then a testimony meeting . The Spirit was richly evident. Marian led off the testimonies. What a beautiful person she is, all opened up and strong and speaking out just as she always wanted to but wouldn't or couldn't I remain very impressed and grateful. She's a tough act to follow in English, and getting tougher every day in Portuguese. We each bore testimony. Marian revealed some very deep feelings about Donna. Perhaps even I have not understand the depths of her feelings about leaving her child. I would do anything I could to ease the hurt. But with all I can do, I know it is between her and the Lord to work out the guilt that's sweeping over her and the worry, and the NOT knowing now—so far away!! It's all up to the Lord and Susan and the family there—and that's real frustrating for her.

After the testimony meeting, we all went to a baptismal at the stake center, then ran in the rain to get assignments at the mission office, then walked back to the mission home in the rain, getting soaked. The baptismal was nice—met some of the Porto Zone Elders and Sisters (likewise a good-looking bunch) and a bunch of members and investigators. More beijinhos (kisses) for Marian. A little girl wrote here a note and drew her a picture and told her she loves her! Just had met her! We drove home to São João da Madeira in the rain. Arrived real late. Went right to sleep.

Zone Meeting

Early the dono (landlord) was here as he promised, and had a man with him to permanently get our electric going. Now we're feeling more first class!! We went to the Vila Nova de Gaia to a zone meeting of the Espinho Zone. It was held at the chapel we've built there—a beautiful building. 20 Elders and 4 Sisters and 2 APs and President and Sister Copeland and us. What a beautiful bunch. São João da Madeira Zone doesn't have a corner on good-looking, hard working missionaries! All was conducted in Portuguese. An Elder Leffler came and sat by Marian and translated for her—unasked, un-beckoned. He just came and sat down by us and started translating. The Zone Meeting was 4½ hours long, and we enjoyed it immensely. Then we went to the Continente and bought stuff for our refrigerator—a lot of stuff! It's good to know we can keep milk now (We still can't cook—no stove.)! We drove up the hill in the evening and saw some more of the town. There are some beautiful homes up there! Real good to be able to study 'til we feel like going to bed—electric lights, you know!

"I said it would be worth it!"

Another cold, cold shower. I didn't even eat breakfast (that was a mistake, because I didn't get lunch!). At 9:00 I mailed 3 letters at the correio (post office) near by, then begged the dono (landlord) to get our electricity. He promised again. Off to Porto—I'm getting good at it now. I dropped Marian off at the mission home while I went to the mission office and found that I was an hour early for the meeting. So, I went shopping and to the bank—alone (I shouldn't do that)! Got a good exchange rate on my traveler's checks again—$162. A long presidency meeting with the mission presidency and the physical facilities man—Liberal. It was very interesting and I couldn't understand all of it, but I appreciated being there. I think that President Copeland will invite(?) me to each of them, because President Ayres will be going to Africa soon for awhile, and I'll probably have the district to run (that's RUN, not RUIN!). I picked Marian up later, we shopped at Continente (Walmart of Portugal) again for house hold stuff. We still can't by anything that's needing refrigeration.

After arriving home, and while beginning some letters, the Elders—Ainge and Badell—came, then the dono (landlord), and he hooked up our electric to his store and We Have Electricity!!!! The water heater is heating, the refrigerator is too, and we have lights! Great!! The Elders helped with it, then left. Marian's not feeling too swift tonight, but we're still banking on President Kempton's blessing!! And I caught up my journal by electric light!

My feelings are real close to the surface right now. I am so grateful for this call. We have 15 months from today to serve here. I don't know what this next time will bring, but we'll never forget it. The sights, the sounds, the smells, the traffic, the people, the missionaries. The saying keeps running through my mind: "I didn't say it would be easy. I said it would be worth it!" My motto for our Portugal Mission!

Happiest Day Since Arriving in Portugal

Our first Sunday in Portugal. It was a dandy! We still have no electricity, so a cold shower and dress up and off to Ovar with President Ayers and his wife for branch conference. It was a spiritual feast. The distance was about 25K and he drove nicely. The countryside is gorgeous—flowers all over, the houses with their tile roofs and small, well-kept yards—nearly always bordered by a few grape vines, the spaces between scattered homes and small clusters of houses are almost all covered with a forest. This place in springtime is what travel folders are made of. The several small towns we went through are of course cobbled with houses right along side the narrow road.

Ovar is a larger town, and we went right to the center where the chapel is. Like nearly all the chapels, it is located on a couple of floors of a loja building—loja (store) along the street, and 1° (1st) and 2° (2nd) andar (floor) for the igreja (church).* We renovated the interior and put in classrooms and a small chapel, complete in some cases with a small pia (font) for baptismals. It isn't like back home, but it serves, and there are a lot more baptisms.

At the sacrament meeting of the conference Marian and I sat on the stand and spoke briefly. President Ayers spoke, and the zone leader. After the meeting several sisters throngs Marian. One gave her an armful of roses. Two others just stood close, looked at her, and wouldn't stop. Just kept looking and smiling. These women are going to love Marian. She gets so many beijinhos (kisses) it's almost frightening. Such fine, beautiful people.

After lunch at the Mirabela (our electricity is off, and we felt we needed a real meal) we snoozed a bit then went to a baptism at the branch here in São João da Madeira. The floor was wet when we arrived, we watched two girls get baptized, then when we left we found another group of 15 waiting to use the font. 27 were baptized at that font today!!! Whoops—excuse me, 5 of those were baptized in the river nearby.In the early evening President and Sister Copeland came by and visited with us—invited me to a missionary presidency meeting tomorrow and us both to come Wednesday to have lunch with the new missionaries. (The Chapmans, Sister Parkinson and Elder _____ (can't remember his name). Then be there for the orientation and testimony meeting. We'd love to be there.


Then four elders came—Ainga, Beddell, Larsen and McCune—and we had a great time. Til dark. Real dark. The Elders ate peanut butter, honey, and jam and loved it. If the sister missionaries had been here, we would have had the whole district! Well, that was Sunday. We went to bed. We went to bed happier than we've been since we landed. The happiest man in Portugal.


*In Portugal, the 1° andar is what we would call the second floor, the 2° andar is the third floor, etc. The ground floor is called the res-do-chão.

Meetings, New Furniture and No Electricity

Went early to the Seminary meeting at the Porto stake center. All of Xavier's teachers from all over the north where there. Faustino Lopez from Madrid was also there. It was well organized and well attended—some 30 or 35 teachers where there. A good looking bunch—looked a lot like seminary and institute teachers anywhere. Men and Women, mostly mid-twenties to mid-thirties. I helped with a scripture chase. Marian watched a while, then went shopping with Sister Copeland. About 11:00 I broke loose, returned to the mission home, we packed up and headed for São João da Madeira. Upon arrival here, we did some unpacking, then the office furniture began arriving—elders elders elders! A real good-looking bunch. We went to a meeting at the branch chapel. It's a sala (room) on the ground floor of a loja (store)-apartment building. It's not much, but it's a start. This entire district is less then two years old—when President Copeland started this mission 7/87 there were no members in any of the 8 branches. This is all fresh. Now the leaders are gunning for a stake!

Back to the meeting at the São João Branch—we thought it was a baptism. We got roped into a District Branch President Meeting for 2½ hours! Marian was pulled into it, couldn't understand a thing —I could understand a lot but was super—board. A bad experience. We came home to the apartment, ate some bread and jam, the district president, Aires and his wife, came to get their office fixed up, and we chatted some. A dreary evening. No electricity and no way to get some until next week. At least we have water, but it'll be a cold shower. I got this written just as the light gave out, then I'll guess we'll go bed!

Getting Familiar with Our Surroundings

We're on our own. We drove our car (a little white thing) to the office, more orientation. Went to the bank and changed some money. Then out to buy supplies and eat lunch and try the road and traffic ourselves. The map isn't much use and the whole traffic thing is a mess. We did pretty well at the Continente (Walmart of Portugal) but couldn't find some stuff. A wild ride back to the mission home—we felt we were too late to go to São João today. We relaxed 'til dinner. Then went to the Modelo (Grocery Store) shopping—it's nearby. There we found some stuff we needed, and had a pleasant walk, too. Spent the rest off the evening memorizing prayer and testimony, also studying the language, figuring out Portugal money, etc.

I talked to Stan and Frank last night because things here just aren't settled at all per CES. I got Christian's number and called him this morning. He was no immediate help—he said that he had written a letter to Elder Lassiter outlining my CES responsibilities here and he would have to approve it. Since Elder Lassiter is coming here next weekend to divide the Porto Stake, maybe that is when I'll receive my orders. I sure hope so.

Also Xavier called, invited us the seminary faculty meeting tomorrow and asked me to run a scripture chase. I'll do my best. At least, Xavier knows I'm here, and is willing to work with me. Also, Faustino will be here. That's great.

New Apartment in São João

A little trouble waking up this morning—didn't make it awake until 8:00 (That's really late for us.). President and Sister Copeland took us out to São João da Madeira—our new home. It is some 40 kilometers south of Porto and a little off the freeway. Beautiful country all through there, with patches of forest alternating with white houses and red tile roofs. Vilanova de Gaia is across the Douro River, then some bairros (apartment complexes), then little towns. Off the freeway and almost to São João, there is an old Castle which we'll want to learn about as soon as possible. Our apartment is one of four in a new building above a couple stores. It is roomy, clean, and very, very much appreciated. It has 3 bedrooms, a living/dinning room, 1½ baths and a good-sized kitchen with a clothes washer right outside veranda—in fact there are 3 verandas! Nice tile work all around, and I think we'll like it a lot. Lunch across the street at the café. And we met President and Sister Aires. This is the man and wife we'll be working very closely with—he's São João District President. I'll be his executive secretary. We made some purchases to further outfit the place, then back to Porto, dinner, another interview and bed!

[Porto]

It is hard to know when to break between yesterday and today. But the sun was up when we arrived at Lisbon, and our first glimpse of this lovely land with its white houses and red-tiled roofs. Beautiful from the air. The airport is poor-to-fair, so construction everywhere. No one to meet us. We muddled through baggage and ID check. No one checked us at customs—waived us right through! Lisbon airport | Porto airport. We were met by President Copeland and Elder Sumner, mission secretary. But first, more on the trip. We flew TWA in 1011, both long trips. They were quite full and as I said a little uncomfortable. The last leg—Lisbon to Porto—was in a cramped 2 propeller plane. We thought might come apart. I had little faith in it. The trip by car to the mission home was uneventful/eventful—an intro to Portuguese drivers! The whole place is much as I remembered Brazil. Narrow streets, many of them cobblestone, crazy drivers. The scenery just the same, just as beautiful. We met Sister Copeland at the mission home, and the four kids. We were exhausted from the trip, so we're allowed to crash. Crashed we did until 4:00 when we walked over the the mission office near by and had an orientation with Elder Sumner and then with President Copeland. Dinner and diary and crash again.