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.

[Porto]

Up early and John took us to the airport and we got in LINE. Never dreamed there would be such a LINE. We had a real difficult moment saying goodbye to John, then went to the LINE. We finally got on the plane, but it was 1 hour 20 minutes late getting going! Flew to New York in fair discomfort, ambassador class and Marian had an aisle seat. It was a cloudy day in Phoenix when we left, and rainy, foggy and nasty in New York when we landed. In the terminal at Kennedy we met the Battaglias—a district president in Portugal—Algarve, the city of Lagos (Lakes). Sweet, super-nice people going home from the marriage of their son in Utah. They talked with us, then were on the same plane to Lisbon.

The Lisbon plane was late leaving Kennedy. We were really uncomfortable in this one. Couch seats, narrow, cramped, no aisle or window, all night, etc. We did our best—Marian was sick from bumpy air for awhile, and didn't feel good at all. I turned my watch ahead 8 hours, but she wanted her's left on Arizona time for now. I understand her ailment. Leaving 27 grandkids and Donna—especially Donna—plus all our kids and their great spouses. It's enough to make a lady sick.

[Mesa]

Up early packing etc. Said our goodbyes this morning to Mary Ellen, John, Amy, Cassie. Tough, but the dissipation and desire to serve made it possible, and we went up afternoon to Coolidge, then Mesa. The difficulty with leaving the Campbells is just that the heavy bonding, built up for twenty eight and a half years, makes it all the more difficult. Marian and I have talked of how there is no more love there—the love is the same all over. All our kids, their spouses, and children are loved most surely and completely but for the reasons well-known, the special bonding is a factor—me to Mary Ellen and Marian to Amy. It makes it tough to leave. The Campbells will be just fine in our absence. The new house is adequate (The pool and landscaping are going in right now). John's job is going really well—I'm proud of him for his industry and ability. Also grateful to him for loving and caring for Mary Ellen so much. Also the ward has accepted the family just the way you always hoped they would everyone. They're busy, happy and successful. I love them, but I really want to get to Porto—so no tears!

On to Coolidge! First Mike's house. By the time we got there, the kids where all home from school, or arriving. Mike came home from work special to see us off. Such a lovely family!! This is such a loving bunch—full of hugs and kisses. Something about a grandchild's hug and kiss that's extra special. Some business matters to discuss. More hugs and kisses—this was a short visit, so it was mostly hugs and kisses. This family is close and doing fine (it will do better when Mike finishes school and can get on with his real life's work. They're all pulling for that!). Also hard to leave!!!

On to Sue's. This was the toughest. Our Donna clinged to us like she'd never let us go. She doesn't understand. And we'll just have to leave it up to the Heavenly Father to help her through this. Most of the kids where there—all but Jan. We hugged and kissed some more—I don't know how many of those are available on any one day, but this day was surely loaded! We told everyone goodbye, then another hard parting from Donna. I kept a smile glued on, tho. On the way down the street we saw Jan walking. It was a difficult moment leaving her, and driving away. Love that special girl!

On to Mesa, awhile getting set apart at Mom's, then a time with John's family. All there. All loving and squeezing. Since we'll see John in the morning, it diffused this departing a little. Hugs and kisses and hugs and kisses. It's extra hard to leave John and his family because of the unsettled conditions there. The pregnancy, the job insufficiencies, all else still unsettled. But here, again, we'll just have to leave it all in the Lord's hands. He knows us and our families, and our needs, and He still said "go to Portugal," so we go! I pray that the Lord will bless and prosper our families in things spiritual.

Back to Mom's for the night. I called Gwen, Shirley and Carol. Marian called Frank and K. We went to bed sad but ready—.

[Tucson]

A beautiful, cool Arizona Sabbath day, and Mother's Day. Marian looked beautiful, complete with her missionary name-plate. Mary Ellen looked gorgeous. Sundays and Mother's days seem to do a lot for our dear companions. Special days! Special ladies!!

We attended church at Mary Ellen and John's 25th Ward. A nice meal followed. At 3:00 we went to David and Peggy's for a couple or 3 hours. The kids put on a program for us, were so cute and loving. A present for Marian. Peggy is a really wonderful daughter-in-law. Very special to me. I love her for herself as well as all the wonderful work she's done on her family. They show it. It was hard to leave because now we know this is the last one, for a long time. We leave this family in good hands with David. He keeps a special part of my love with him. I owe him so much, and love him so dearly. I'm immensely proud of my son. He played his banjo a little for us, and was so gracious all the while. Then home to Mary Ellen's, and a really nice evening with John and her. I love her equally—and john the same. The Campbells have been so gracious to us—the room, and all the love and attention we could hold. I am so very proud of this little family. This attitude toward things that matter most is good and solid. They are prospering greatly—new house, new cars, swimming pool going in, landscaping rocks coming tomorrow, etc.—I think they'll handle it well. They truly love us, and it is great to be with them.

[Coolidge]

Errands and such around Tucson a.m. Afternoon late we went with John and Mary Ellen—their car—to Coolidge for Mckay's baptism. A nice family time! I spoke on baptism. Just us from Tucson and the Coolidge family were there, and a lot of Hansens and Brooks. Had a nice visit afterward with Susan, Jan and Lindsay and Taylor. The rest went to Spencer's ballgame. Back to Tucson real late.

[Tucson]

ALL RIGHT!! Back in Action! About 2:00 I called Murdock Travel to see about the visas. We've got 'em! They are already back to Murdock (I don't know why they didn't call us when they cleared—jerks!), tickets to Portugal are purchased, everything in special delivery to us, to arrive at Coolidge Monday.

We fly TWA from Phoenix at 8:17a, Tuesday May 16, via New York to Lisbon, then TAP to Porto. Arrival 8:30 am Wednesday May 17. Now we're back in the missionary spirit--->zoooom!

We got Marian's finger fixed again at Dr. Fulkerson's—it turned out to be a real funny wart—and came back to Tucson.