Recife

Bom dia, (that means "good day)

Some more interesting experiences this week. Monday was a different kind of day; we had the missionaries over for family home evening. Of the 10 missionaries in the city, 4 were transferred today, with one of them leaving for home. They seemed to really enjoy this last opportunity to visit with each other. We drove 2 of them to the rodoviaria, aka bus station, that night and one other the next morning at 6:30. It is interesting to see the growth of some of these young men and women and to remember what happened on my mission. The next day was Janet's usual English class at night. She really seems to like this class and she does a good job. Janet started on some new medication today that is supposed to help her relax.
On Wednesday, we had to leave the house by 6:30 because we were going to Recife for some CES training. The airport is in the city of Ilheus, right on the coast, about 20 miles away. The runway ends about 100 - 200 yards from the ocean. The airport is not very big, they only have about 6 incoming and 6 outgoing flights each day. As we were checking in, we needed to provide ID. Our Utah drivers licences didn't count. They asked for our passport, which we didn't have, but we did have a national ID card from Brasil. I think the ticket agent had never had this situation, so he wasn't sure how to deal with it, but we convinced him that we had used them before for travel, so he let us check in and take the flight. We flew from Ilheus to Salvador, about a 45 minute flight. Then we waited for 31/2 hours for our flight from Salvador to Recife. We got in there at about 1:30. We were picked up by one of the Institute director in Recife and taken to lunch (the restaurant was very good) where the other directors were. There were about 18 directors and coordinators from the northeast area of Brasil at this training. After lunch, we checked in to the hotel, The Blue Tree, that was about 150 yards from the beach. We then went to the Institute building and had an interview with Elder Grahl. He is the director of all CES programs in Brasil. He is a former Seventy and former member of the Brasil Area presidency. We had a good long talk with him about how things are going and some of the problems that Janet is facing. He is very kind and very concerned.
On Thursday we had our training. There were a lot of good ideas and problem solving. I had to work hard to understand what was going on. I did learn that there is a lot expected from these directors and coordinators. I can understand why they are some of the best leaders in Brasil. I don't know if I can learn to do all the things that are expected of me. Janet did not attend some of the meetings; the new medication makes her very drowsy, so she feels tired a lot.
Friday morning we got up at 4:15 to catch our 6:10 flight to Salvador. We were tired, but we had a chance to rest in the airport at Salvador because our flight to Ilheus wasn't until 1:50. We had about 5 hours of "rest".
I need to tell you a little about Recife, not that we know to much. It is right on the point of South America, pointing to Africa. It has some beautiful beaches that go on for miles, but not many swimmers. There are a lot of sharks in the water here. Recife is the second largest city in Brasil and is growing fast. Many people are trying to get out of Sao Paulo and this is one place they come. Along the beach, ther are mile after mile of 15 - 20 -25 story apartment buildings and more being built all the time. It seems to be a very dynamic place.
Saturday was a busy day. In the morning, we meet the president of the Institute student council at the store to buy things for the institute dance tonight. We spent about $200 on the dance and a number of the students did a lot of work. That afternoon, we helped with the final preparations, and then the dance was from 7:00 until 10:00. There was a good turn out, probably 150 -200 people that showed up. It seemed to be a big success. We got home at about 11:30.
Sunday, Janet was feeling wiped out from all the things that had been going on and also from the new medication, so she stayed home from the first 2 meetings. After Sacrament meeting, we rested and then we went back to the stake center to give a Fireside on the Perpetual Education Fund. That went from 7:30 until 9:15 or so. there are a lot of people who are interested in this inspired program. It has made, and is making, a huge difference in the lives of many of the members here. On our next blog, I will explain how it works. Remember us, and especially Janet, in your prayers. We love this opportunity to serve the Lord.