"Starry Starry Night"

After my last post listing some of the health issues we have encountered here with our missionaries some of you asked for more info about "the monkey bite and the human bite." Concerning the human bite I'll just say think of Mike Tyson. It also was the only time I ever raised my voice at a missionary,(ok so maybe I yelled) when I found out that the elder's ear was starting to turn black and I told him in no uncertain terms (and in Portuguese too) to get himself and his white shirt and black ear down to the doctor immediately which he had previously neglected to do after being told by me three times to do so!  The good thing is that it all worked out fine and lessons were learned! (At least we hope so :)

After seeing that long list of health problems you may think that those are the things we remember most about the mission, but it really is amazing how those experiences tend to fade from our memories, and what stays with us most are the shining moments. I've heard it said that when you look back on your mission it is like looking at a night sky full of glorious stars. You don't really focus on the dark areas because they only serve as the backdrop by which you can see the brilliance of all the  stars.

Here's a few glimpses of some of those stars that will shine forever for us:

THE BAPTISMS

THE VIBRANT NEW CONVERTS

THE  WONDERFUL CONVERT FAMILIES






THE MEMBERS

The Stake President asked us to speak at a Stake Fireside and it ended up being a surprise fireside/party in our honor. We were overwhelmed! 

They gave us our own soccer shirts.

THE CHILDREN

THE YOUTH

THE FOOD

Shrimp Moqueca

Açai bowls
and Pão de quejo (Cheese bread)




The amazing variety of fruits and of course a churrasco - Brazilian barbecue

THE TREES

THE BEAUTY

The first time I've seen white cows. I called them vacas celestiais.

THE CITY OF SALVADOR AND THE CULTURE OF BAHIA

THE CREATURES

THE RAIN

NO MATTER HOW LARGE OR SMALL EVERY CHAPEL HAS A FLOWER ARRANGEMENT ATTACHED TO THE PULPIT

RECONNECTING WITH OLD FRIENDS

David reconnected with the Bangerter brothers from years ago. It has been wonderful having Paulo (right) and his family living close to us as he is serving as President of the Salvador South Mission. And his brother Howard is now serving as the President of the Brazil Piracicaba mission.

David ran into one of his old companions, Elder Sondregger from many years ago when serving as a young man in Brazil. He and his wife are serving a mission in São Paulo working on an initiative to help the members in need raise Quail for their own consumption  as well as a business opportunity.

Below David is pictured with Randy and Susan Boothe the head of the BYU Young Ambassadors. David knew Randy from his youth in Portland, Oregon. He had not seen him for years. They brought the YA to perform in our Mission. It was wonderful!

AND MAKING WONDERFUL NEW FRIENDS

I will miss these little guys on my window sill

This senior couple, The Haslams from San Diego served three missions together in Brazil! And Sister Haslam had to learn Portuguese. They served out in a small branch in our mission and brought it to life! They were such a blessing!

The Strong family from Michigan are members of our Church who came from Michigan with their three sons for a three year assignment with Ford. We met them "by accident" in the airport one day. None of them spoke Portuguese. Very brave! They are now on their way to their next assignment in Shanghai! Here they are pictured with some other wonderful friends from Portugal.

THE SERVICE

Providing wheelchairs for a local community

THE MISSION PRESIDENTS SEMINAR WITH ELDER HOLLAND

AND THE MISSIONARIES. ALWAYS THE MISSIONARIES

AND THE WORK

ONWARD

EVER ONWARD