Welcome back all you readers; another week has come and gone. Before I forget, an update of last week, perhaps the most exciting happening. As we were returning from Vitoria, going about 55 mph or, to the rest of the world about 90 kph, (do you know what this is?) a flock of buzzards flew across the road. These birds are a little bigger than large crows. One of them was to slow. It hit our windshield near the roof. No damage to the car or windshield. Can't say the same for the bird. As we kept going, I looked in the rearview mirror and saw a big, black clump of bird fall to the ground. Am sure his flock mates will enjoy him.
There some interesting things that occured this week. Last Tuesday, a pair of Elders was held up at gun point. This happened just a few blocks from where we live. It was 9:00 at night and they were going home. One of the Elders is from Manaus and he had just convinced the gunman
they didn't have anything worthwhile, when the Sister missionaries called. They had to give up the phone.
On Thursday, Janet and I met the 1st counselor in the stake presidency and he took us on a short tour of his work. Just outside of Itabuna, there is a agricultural research farm and labs. Its primary purpose is to find ways to overcome the parasite which destroyed about 90% of the caucau (that's choclate for those who don't know) industry in Brasil. But it is also studying different plants and production methods in an attempt to improve agricultural in Brasil. They also study snakes and snake venom and different insects. It was very interesting. Afterwards, we went to his house for lunch (almoso), which is the biggest meal of the day. He lives in Ilheus, the port city, about 25 kilometers from Itabuna. We had a very good meal. Davi, the counselor, is a funny guy and he makes Janet feel good about being here, although he can't speak any English.
On Friday, we went with the Sisters offroading (as Janet says). Itabuna is quite hilly, although they are not high hills. The roads (for lack of a better word) are not maintained away from the main part of the city so it is an adventure to go visit some people. So far we have not needed 4 wheel drive, which is good, because we don't have it.
Saturday and Sunday was conference. We really enjoyed it. The members are very kind, they set up a room were we could watch everything in English. Janet really enjoyed that. We enjoyed the testimonies of the speakers. It helped strengthen ours. We are so grateful to be here.