[Provo]

P-Day today instead of tomorrow because of conference. We went to the temple. I was so tired I didn't enjoy it much. I've got to get a handle on this tiredness problem. Marian had a hair appointment so I browsed at 70's Bookstore. Then we had an early lunch at KFC. Shopping at the Mall. Dinner here at the cafeteria, then class.

[Provo]

A not-much-going day. Classes am and afternoon. Branch meeting at night, then a trip to our district room (31 Flavors) with the Chapmans. We had a splendid time. Got much accomplished. Got a letter from Jan. Marian cried. Jan is very special. Wrote a letter to Walmir and Yedda.

[Provo]

New missionary day again. We've been here five weeks. Walter and Maxine Halliday got here today. Classes all day. We left early at the evening class because our teacher wasn't there, and because Marian is feeling nauseous and head-achey again. We came back and turned on the vaporizer. She took a congestion pill. By 9:12 (now) she's feeling better. The vaporizer makes a big difference, but we dislike it intensely. We got letters today from President Borquist, Frank and K, and Johnny. Big day at the mailbox!

[Provo]

Melvin's B-Day. He should have our card by now. We love that fine son. He is being groomed for leadership among his people, the Lamanites, and will rise as high as he wants. I'm grateful for his love and acceptance of our family. A high point in my life will always be the day he was sustained in Kirtland, and my privilege to ordain him a high priest. Today was classes all the way, and the regular fireside tonight. Only it wasn't "regular." It was Elder and Sister Sonntag (Philip T.). They gave us a real super evening. She, with all the pep and spark imaginable, talked 1st. Theme: Missionary Work.


Then Elder Sonntag talked. He gave a super talk. Subject: Missionary Work. Very lively, full of stories—mostly centered on the Pacific=Matthew Cowley style. The choir sang perfectly, of course. I congratulated Brother Brenchley again. We sang "Called To Serve Him" and I bawled once more. Then did it again during the closing prayer=the young elder did so well, and humbly.He choked as he pleaded for strength for us all, and success for us all. There is so much power in these meetings. As we left the hall, Marian said it was our best meeting yet. I agree. Sister Chapman just couldn't stop tearing—wiped her eyes all the way to the apartments. Saw Joe and Doris Childers again. Saw Rich Frost—he'll leave tomorrow. It's been good to see him regularly and catch his spirit at this important moment of his life. No mail again today. The busy lives back home sure do put a lonely streak into the lives of the ones searching the mailbox!

A funny thing happened—embarrassing but needs to be told, I think. After returning to the apartment, I remembered my briefcase was still in the main building hall. Marian said she'd walk with me. I grabbed my coat out of the closet, where I'd just put it. We got to the main building and saw Joe and Doris Childers and some members of their branch. As we stood talking, President Pinegar and his wife came by and chatted and then Elder Sonntag, his wife and daughters came by. They also stopped and chatted, asked where we were going, talked to Joe and Doris, etc. A fine, short gathering. Then we broke up, we went back to the apartment, they on to home and such. They had kept looking at my badge, which I proudly wear (name-tag, that is). When Marian and I got home, and as I was unlocking the door, I looked down, and for the first time saw that I had grabbed the wrong coat!! I had on my gray suit pants and my medium-blue suit coat! A sport garb! Against all mission rules! And, no name-tag! No wonder all kept looking at it—it wasn't there!! I was horrified, embarrassed, majorly mortified! I may go down as the first of the seniors here to get kicked out of the MTC! Tomorrow if the loudspeaker summons me to the President's office, I'll just fade away (No—old teachers just lose their class!).

[Provo]

Hit the language real hard today. Early was celestial duties—we did the stairs, the mirrors and glass, and emptied the garbage. Evening Marian was a little wiped out. Wrote a letter to President Copeland today, asking about a car and several other things. Called Russell Orton—Marian enjoyed the talk. In bed by 10:00.

[Provo]

Easter Sunday. The commemoration of our Savior's resurrection. What a day. What a Man. I'm so grateful. My constant prayer of thanks is for Him. It's a cold, rainy day here in Provo. Fast Sunday. Mission Conference. Fast and Testimony Meeting in the Branch. Study time and a little snooze afternoon. I wrote letters yesterday and today to all the kids, Mom and Carol. Gospel study session and Fireside at night. Another Sunday at the MTC—

[Provo]

A temple session—I was real impressed with it. Sometimes it's greater than at other times. This one was a good one. We went with the Chapmans, then to BYU bookstore to return a book and pick up some stuff. I called National Rx Services and sent the Rxs to her which I got from the Dr. here. I also asked for $54 back, because they didn't fill our order right. Marian's hair appointment at 10:30, so I called Mike during it and found that there is difficulty with our income tax stuff. We talked a long time about it. Joe Palmer needs some stuff and we tried to figure out what all he needed. Also, Palmer tells us the IRS is wanting $2,100 more dollars for 1986 tax. A problem with the profit-sharing payoff from Bookcraft. We'll get it straightened out. Picked up some stuff at the drug store and returned to MTC. The evening was class, and I'm on my own now evenings. Whoopee!

[Provo]

First thing we did the laundry. That's a load off our minds. Now we can again enjoy P-day tomorrow! During a break I called Gary Fuller and told him to put the selling price of our condo up $14,000 to $253,900—and put it back on the market. If the people faulted, maybe the Lord wants us to get more out of it. Classes all day. The language is coming some better, but still a long way to go. Marian's feeling fine now and getting stronger in her walking. I'm feeling fine, too. No mail today, but we sent a B-Day card to Melvin. His B-Day is Monday.

Chapmans continue to be a delight. They are so funny and so much fun. They seem to enjoy us, too. Lasting friendship here, maybe.

[Provo-Alpine]

We decided to up the price of the condo and put it back on the market. The medicine battle continues. I went to the sick bay to try to talk the doctor out of prescription for Marian's medicine and my Tagamet. He was real reluctant, but by mid-afternoon he had resolved, with help from an internist friend, that he'd give me all the Tagamet I need for 18 months. But he'd only give us enough of Salcitensin for 6 months, because he said body salts must be monitored (possible heart arrest) and enough Tolectin for 9months, because he says it could lead to ulcers in some people. I've fought it as long as I can. I'll take these prescriptions and send them to National Rx and when we need more in Portugal, we'll take care of it there. Classes as usual today morning and afternoon. Evening was branch meetings. The Parkers gave some despedidos (goodbyes), and one other couple. Parkers don't know yet if their visas are coming, but they're due to finish here right now (8 1/2 weeks on the weekend). We're all rooting for their departure because that could mean that our own will be on time.

After the meeting, Chapmans, Parkers and we bundled into an MTC van and went to Alpine to visit with the Bangerters—he and his family were there to open up Portugal/Spain for CES. We had a really nice hour and a half. They have lots of good stories and advice, and some stuff like azulejos and brass stuff and paintings around. Very nice, very hospitable, lots of fun. Got back late with the van in one piece.

[Provo]

New missionary day at the MTC. Ethel Goodman arrived—one of the world's neat people! She's going to Mexico City East Mission, and her companion Live's mother—Geneil Goodman! Both will be in our branch, and we had dinner with them. So good to see old dear friends. Our day otherwise was uneventful. Marian rebounded, and feels good. In fact, she looked great and tonight was able to walk around farther than at any other time in months! This is obviously a blessing from the Lord and a partial, minute, fulfillment of President Kempton's setting-apart blessing. Study language and other stuff all day. No mail. Got a call late from Gary Fuller. It looks as though our house sale is falling through. The people have unqualified themselves at the loan department—she quitting work and he changing jobs! What a blow—maybe. If they fault, the house goes back on the market—we won't accept their proposal of lease—for sale at the end of the year. Our feeling is to get rid of that place, even if it is a goldmine, real-estate-in-Orange-County-wise. If we put it back on the market, we'll raise the praise. That's our feeling right now, but we'll sleep on it and let Gary know.

[Provo]

Right about here should be the vernal equinox. The 21, 22, or 23. But how would I know? We get no newspapers, no magazines except Church News and Ensign. No radios. I only hear about Arizona tearing up the NCAA by accident. I know they are in the final 16. We don't know the weather, except as we see it happen. This is a very strange twist in my life. I must say we're both holding up well under the strain. Maybe all the current affairs aren't so necessary after all!

A usual day, sort of. Chapman's are in Salt Lake again on their computer training. Classes morning and afternoon. After the pm class, Marian felt really rotten, so she stayed in and slept this evening. Bad headache, eyes hurting and stinging. Don't know what it is. We still have the vaporizer going day and night. She's taking 4 kinds of pills (Maybe that's it!). Tonight at 7:00 was fireside for all. Elder Joseph L. Wirthlin was featured speaker and Sister Wirthlin. It's always great to hear from an apostle. He spoke on missionary work (what else!). After the talk I chatted with some of the Sister missionaries going to Portugal and Brazil. Great young women!! Marian was feeling some better by bedtime.

[Provo]

Yep, it snowed last night a little. The mountains looked fabulous. But with the weather not cold enough to support it, the snow melted off them by noon. Cool still, with a cold wind. Chapman's went TDY to Salt Lake to get trained in Church membership and finance procedures using computers. They returned in time for evening class. We had regular classes with our teachers. Celestial duties this morning—halls, stairs, garbage. This evening we went to the culture class with the young elder and sisters—first time. I liked it. Elder Johnson gave a good presentation. Near the end, it opened up to Church Education there in Portugal. The two teachers there got real excited about our calling, and really tickled that Chapman's and we were going to Porto. All the young elders shook our hands, and said they'd see us in Portugal. Sounds good to me. We've run the vaporizer all day, and Marian seems fine. Blessings!!!!

[Provo]

A rainy day. Tonight it still had a little drizzly. If it keeps it up tonight, we could have some snow. We noticed on the way to dinner that the snow level is down almost to the bottom of the hills right now. Branch meeting, study time, a lecture by President Flicklin on history of the Portugal Mission. That was nice. I've got notes on it elsewhere. Wrote letters to my two CES bosses—Faustino Lopez and Christian Ewrard. Tonight was the fireside with President Pinegar. Subject: Communication. Marian acts like she's coming down with a cold. Hope not.

[Provo]

Temple time again. The Chapman's went with us, and it was good, and this time a serious, time. A good session (actually, there was no bad sessions). A curious thing happened, though. Marian has been putting a name in the Temple for the prayer circles each time she goes. This day she took the card, and wrote her own name! She says she tried to write the other name, but her hand was guided to write her own name! It startled her, then she took another card and wrote the name she had intended. I don't know what specific blessing she needs additional faith-and-prayer help on, but it's neat that she'll get it. Even though she never sought it. I went to the BYU bookstore for grammar and other books for Portugal, then took Marian to get her hair done. Back at the MTC we took the Chapman's to the shopping mall for some shopping. After dinner, our teacher didn't show up, so we had the evening. We spent most of it studying and reading our assignment in the New Testament. We called the kids, who are all together tonight at Mary Ellen's house for the first of their get-togethers while we're gone. It was great talking to each one. It made us both home-sick, but "what else is new?"

[Provo]

The day was fairly ordinary and Marian got two new teachers—Elder Jensen and Sister Bradbury. Now she can move at her own pace, for it is 1 on 1 teaching. In the evening we had a cultural event after the regular evening session with Sister Bezas. Elders Lucero and Davis brought their slides and some stuff from Portugal. It was nice. Elder Lucero brought his wife, as did Elder Mcleod (the Parker's teacher) and the Parkers were there and we had a good time with refreshments. Cassie's B-Day!!!

[Provo]

Marian much improved this morning! That vaporizer and President Kempton's blessing of health, really helped greatly. She's going to go on the medication as soon as it comes, but she's already on the mend! Classes morning. Afternoon was spent mostly on Corey Bangerter coming to brief Marian and me on Portugal. He spent nearly two hours answering, briefing, reminiscing, etc. It was very agreeable and helpful. Corey was in Brazil when his father was mission president there, then returned as a missionary, then went to Portugal/Spain to start CES, then back to Brazil as president of the Rio Mission. There probably aren't too many better informed of things Portuguese. I asked about Walmir Silva, my old friend. He startled us by telling us that Walmir and Yedda are inactive! He said the handicapped daughter had committed suicide several years ago, and the blow caused a retrogression for the couple. What a shame! That greatly saddens me! I must write to him and see if I can get an answer. It has been years—. Branch meeting tonight, then District meeting at 31 Flavors. Nice!! Marian's still feeling lots better and the vaporizer and the tape player are singing.

[Provo]

A difficult day because Marian got sick. But first—I called Stan Peterson back to get the results of his inquiries on our behalf. He said Don Bond would set up the home study visit. He said Corey Bangerter would get with us right away—he's the one who opened up Spain and Portugal for CES—and help us with perspectives and ideas. And he confirmed our call—that the Brethren's concern over Portugal was such that they asked CES for a recommendation on a couple to go in and aid the struggling program in that fast growing land. Upon CES recommending us to Elder Asay, Europe Area President, the call came through regular missionary channels. So, our call is standard but our assignment there is special. Okay—that's about how we had it figured. We are so very honored to be chosen and called. That call, and the events since, have reconfirmed to my soul the love the Lord has, even for me! Unworthy, unable often, unprepared but He keeps giving me opportunity to grow and to help others do likewise. And it reaffirms my long-standing conviction that none of this would have come, and could not be possible, without my precious Marian. So good and gentle always. So caring. And now --> so blossoming! I stand and watch her unfold in this assignment. It is a wonder to behold! She not only is able and talented, she is really good! This mission will be a landmark for her in an unexpected way.

Then after the call, we went to get some more information turned in to the health center for our visas. And by noon, Marian was sick with a sinus infection! She missed pm and evening classes. We ordered a prescription to whip the infection, and got a vaporizer to use. She seemed a little better late evening.

[Provo]

Well, all isn't peachy-creamy yet! Elder Slezak didn't get with us, but sent Elder Flores to see if we wanted new teachers. Missed communication!! I'll give it another day!! Called again on the medicine we've been trying to get. Maybe it will come in right this time. Mailed off the escrow stuff. The only different part of the day was the fireside tonight. Elder Hugh Pinnock was speaker. Subject: Obedience. Later we visited with Elder and Sister (Jota and Enid) Wilson in their room. Nice to have friends close.

Just a further comment about this companion I have. Best one I ever had. Marian is coming along so well in the language and discussions. I'm more than proud of her; I more than love her. She's branching out and becoming an inspiration to those about her. She's better at the discussions than I am, and a lot of her Portuguese pronunciation is better than mine. She's had two teachers from Portugal. My Brazilian teachers are neat people, but I don't get Portugal dialect and pronunciation. But that's only an observation—not to detract from Marian's accomplishments. She's doing great, and I'm more than proud. Melissa's B-Day today.

[Provo]

First thing I called Stan Peterson at CES—Associate Commissioner—for an appointment. He said to come right up. I also got an appointment with Eugene Hill, director of training here at the MTC. We went to Salt Lake City, and to the 9th floor of the Church Office Building. Stan was waiting for us. He gave us a good audience, and pledged to get things to happen—check on our visas, get us with Corey Bangerter (who has been CES in Portugal a few years ago), see that we got to a home study setting for an experience, and see what else he could do to have the experiences of a CES missionary couple learning a foreign language to be a good one. He told us we are the first ever to do this particular assignment—go on a foreign-language education mission. We are "guinea-pigs" (his words). As Frank Bradshaw previously put it, we are writing the book.

The difference between us and previous education missionaries is the language. No one before has had to learn one—all went to English-language missions. They were called, spent a week at the MTC for "flavor" (his words again), then off to work on Seminaries and Institutes somewhere. It was felt that we needed full time at the MTC for the language. So, that's why we're sent here on a full-shot basis. I felt that's where the misunderstanding has come in. Here we've been slotted with all other missionaries who were called for leadership and for proselyting.

So, back to MTC and the appointment with Brother Hill. He said frankly, "we haven't known what to do with you." But he is anxious to meet our needs and to schedule help in whatever way is helpful. We'll get with Elder Slezak (our zone leader) tomorrow to set up a better program. It looks as though our struggling and discomfort will finally pay off.

We got a letter from Mary Ellen today in the mail, also a card from her and John from Hawaii. They are there on an Equitable vacation. Also got the stuff to sign for the escrow on the house sale. We signed everything tonight to get it right back and finalized.

[Provo]

Well, it took 5 meals to get there, and then the Lord prompted me on the course to take. I'm grateful for the principle of prayer and fasting. I missed breakfast, went to priesthood meeting, missed lunch after sacrament meeting, then met with President Mineer for a few minutes. That was the result of my getting the Spirit. I asked him if I could have permission to go to Salt Lake and talk to Stan Peterson, and also talk to Brother Eugene Hill here at the MTC. He gave me permission to see both. Marian and I talked in the afternoon and I got further help from her. She had some good ideas.

Here's the plan. With Stan's input and Brother Hill's, we see that for starters we can use BYU here. Audit a conversational Portuguese class. Take a self-study course = Language, Culture, History. Go to a Home Study seminary Saturday. Talk to Stan about visas. There are some things!!

Late dinner, then evening gospel study class (the teacher didn't show) and devotional. Oh, Ruth Ann (Lewis) Brooks, husband David and little newborn girl come visiting and brought cookies and fruit. So nice. The baby's beautiful and they're so proud of her.