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.